RIVERDALE PARK, Md. — The Prince George's County Council is considering legislation that would improve the safety of streets around schools after two Riverdale Elementary students were struck and killed by a driver four months ago.
The deaths of Shalom Mbah, 10, and Sky Sosa, 5, sparked demands from parents who wanted to see crossing guards at every Prince George's County School.
Police say there was no cross guard stationed at the intersection of Riverdale and Taylor Roads when the two kids were struck and killed by the driver of a van in November 2023.
"I carry those children with me, that's why I put in this bill," Councilmember Wanika Fisher told WUSA9. She has sponsored legislation that would create a workgroup whose sole purpose is to improve the streets around the county's schools.
"Prince George's County is the highest in the state with roadway or traffic fatalities," Fisher added.
The bill that is poised to pass would create an 11-member group that will include parents and police. For two months, the members would come up with safety plans catered to the needs of each school.
Fisher says by far the most common issue that will need to be addressed is speed. However, she says that the biggest obstacle to reducing speeding is that so many of the main roadways in Prince George's County are state-controlled.
"Route 1, Riggs Road, Queens Chapel Road, those are all state roads. The county has no authority on sidewalks there, on the light there," she said.
Since January, Prince George's County Police officers have been subbing in as crossing guards amid a shortage in the county. Fisher says the need for more guards is a demand the Council often hears from families.
A police spokesperson says police officers will continue filling in until the county deems it necessary and added that the department is actively vetting new guards.
Next month, the county will be launching the Safe Passage Project, a volunteer program to usher kids safely to and from school.
The pilot program will be at the following schools.
- Largo High School
- Suitland High School
- Charles Herbert Flowers High School
- Central High School
- Bladensburg High School
- Andrew Jackson Middle School
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