Street Lights Installed in Front of Wren High School Following Fatal Accident

Two new street lights have been installed along the street which runs in front of Wren High School in Piedmont in Anderson District 1.  It follows Friday night’s accident following a football game.  Gretchen Randall and her daughter Kristen were hit by a driver who told the Highway Patrol that he didn’t see them in time.  Gretchen died from her injuries.  Kristen is recovering from a broken ankle.  The DOT tells News Channel 7 it will re-survey the intersection (last done in about 2001) to see if it warrants a traffic light.

Meanwhile, other school districts say the accident led them to check safety measures.  Spartanburg District 5 met with Duncan Police Chief Ryan Cothran.  As a result, they will be stationing police officers at three surrounding crosswalks during games, and crosswalk lights will be activated to slow down drivers.  Dr. Joanne Avery, Deputy Superintendent, Anderson School District Four says, “We discussed this on Monday morning and have already made contacts with local law enforcement to see about getting traffic trailers with flashing lights and slow down messages for highway 187 in Pendleton on football game nights. “  Cherokee County Superintendent Bill James says, “We we have S.C. Highway Patrol officers, Cherokee County officers, City of Gaffney officers and private security at our games.  The officers are responsible for directing traffic.  We have done this for numerous years, so the accident last week hasn’t made us change our practice, but has made us realize the need to constantly stress safety.“