Last month two Tabor Academy students received non-life threatening injuries when struck by a car while crossing South Street. Now, with the approval of the Marion Board of Selectmen, Tabor is taking steps to improve street safety on campus.

The accident occurred on Nov. 16 at night and in the rain. Questioned after the incident, both students and the driver claimed to have not seen the other party. In a letter addressed to the Selectmen for Tuesday night’s meeting, Tabor Headmaster Jay Stroud asked for permission to take three preemptive measures so that another accident does not occur.

First, Stroud asked for permission to paint the crosswalks red with “STOP – LOOK – WAVE,” as a reminder to students when crossing the street to be aware of their surroundings.

Second, Stroud said Tabor wants NSTAR to increase the wattage of the streetlights on Front Street and Spring Street for the areas that encompass the school’s campus making it easier for both drivers and pedestrians to see at night.

Lastly, Stroud asked to install “radar gun” speed signs which inform passing drivers of their speed.

“As I live and work on Front Street, I can attest to frequent sightings of cars that are clearly traveling in excess of the 25 miles per hour speed limit,” Stroud wrote. “This happens every single day.”

The costs, Stroud said, will be entirely covered by Tabor Academy, whose staff he added, has already begun meeting with students to ensure they be more alert when they are out walking.

“I receive enough statements of concern throughout the year to know that our students at times are not as responsible as we would hope they would be in looking both ways,” Stroud said. “So, clearly, the first thing we need to do  at Tabor is to focus the attention of our students and our faculty on the reality that Spring Street and Front Street pass through the entire length of our campus and that there are literally thousands of crossings of these two public roads each day.”

The Selectmen unanimously approved all of Stroud’s recommendations.

“They have taken a very proactive approach in trying to solve this issue,” said Chairman John Henry.

Town Administrator Paul Dawson also commended the efforts of Tabor Academy in communicating street safety.

“Tabor has been extremely proactive in this,” said Town Administrator Paul Dawson. “They have done well in getting the information out to the town and in educating the students as well.”

While a finalized timeline has yet to be established for the signs and the streetlights, Stroud said he would like to have the changes made as soon as possible.