Flashing Beacons Installed at Newport Harbor High School

A pair of flashing lights were installed this week at Newport Harbor High School to help keep students who are using the crosswalk safe.

The crosswalk at Irvine Avenue and Margaret Drive marks the site where was critically injured last year by an alleged intoxicated driver driving a Chevy Tahoe. Public Works Director Steve Badum says the flashing beacons will immediately improve the crosswalk safety.

Other measures taken include the relocation of parent drop-off zones away from the crosswalk. There are now cones and the sidewalk is painted red to keep motorists from pulling over near the crosswalk.

Over the next several months officials will determine what additional safety measures should be taken to address the problems near the crosswalk like inattentive drive and pedestrians.

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.