Teen's death prompts Des Moines school traffic changes

Des Moines has redefined its definition of a "school district."

Why it matters: It expands school speed zones beyond areas surrounding a schoolhouse to include facilities like stadiums or practice fields.

• The action was prompted by the April 28 hit-and-run death of 14-year-old East High School student Ema Cardenas.

Catch up fast: Cardenas was hit while crossing the 1600 block of East University Avenue after classes.

• Her family, friends, school advocates and area residents led a march calling for traffic changes soon after her death.

State of play: The City Council adopted definitional changes on June 27.

• City staffers will move school flasher equipment near the site of the accident by the fall.

Driving the news: More changes are proposed as part of a larger project expected to begin in 2024, pending funding.

• The pedestrian crossing flashers along that segment of East University would be updated with speed feedback signs.
• Multiple new HAWK signals — which flash lights for motorists to slow down to allow pedestrians to cross the street — are planned.

Of note: Terra Flipping, 38, of DSM was charged with a felony count of leaving the scene of an accident in connection with Cardenas' death.

• A hearing in that case is set for Wednesday.