Safety Measures in the Works at Newport Harbor High

Following nearly three months of brainstorming, the city has started implementing safety features at Newport Harbor High School where was critically injured last year by an alleged intoxicated driver.

At Tuesday's Newport Beach City Council meeting Councilman Rush Hill asked  Public Works Director Steve Badum to explain the safety measures implemented on Irvine Avenue where the high school is located. Badum said the city has taken a two pronged approach.

"Over the winter break we moved the drop-off zones away from the crosswalk area to provide better visibility in that area," Badum explained. "And we placed cones in the adjacent areas to that crosswalk to kind of keep those areas clear."

The next step will come next week when flashing lights will be installed on the pedestrian crossing signs near the crosswalk where 17-year-old Crystal was struck by a Chevy Tahoe.

"Folks can walk up, hit the button and it will inititate a flashing response. It will clearly get people's attention," he said. "We think this will immediately improve the pedestrian safety in that area."

Long term solutions are also being tossed around. Badum said city staff has met with school officials, parents and students to find out what concerns need to be addressed in terms of traffic safety. So far some of the top issues include distracted drivers, pedestrians not paying attention, illegal U-turns, cars parked in red zones, lack of bike lanes and jaywalking.

Over the next several months officials will determine what additional safety mesures should be taken to address the problems.

Crystal suffered head trauma, internal bleeding and brain swelling ain the school's crosswalk on Dec. 6, but her condition is improving. She is currently going through physical therapy at a Costa Mesa rehabilitation center.

Marnie Jo Lippincott , the woman accussed of driving under the influence and causing the crosswalk crash, to a felony charge of driving under the influence causing bodily injury, with a sentencing enhancement for causing brain injury. She remains out of jail on $100,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court March 9 for a pretrial hearing.