Cary Installs New Safety Signs on Ederlee Drive
The city added flashing pedestrian signs to a crosswalk following a fatal crash that occurred in August.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Accidents
Cary officials installed new flashing pedestrian signs on Ederlee Drive between Regency Parkway and Peregrine Place. The safety upgrades follow the death of a pedestrian who was struck by an SUV at the crossing in late August.
Why it matters
The installation addresses resident safety concerns surrounding the crosswalk after a 76-year-old pedestrian was killed. The move serves as an interim measure while the state prepares for more significant infrastructure improvements.
Ayaz Pathan, 49, faces citations for misdemeanor death by vehicle, failure to reduce speed, and failure to yield to a pedestrian. He made his first appearance in Wake County Court on October 13.
The players
Soile Lazarz
She was a 76-year-old pedestrian who died following a collision with an SUV.
Ayaz Pathan
The 49-year-old driver was cited for misdemeanor death by vehicle following the incident.
North Carolina Department of Transportation
This state agency manages the road infrastructure and is responsible for upcoming safety upgrades.
The details
Crews attached the flashing signage to existing crosswalk infrastructure maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The department plans to follow these improvements with the installation of a pedestrian hybrid beacon at the site by fall 2028.
Timeline
August 26, 2026: Soile Lazarz was struck and killed by an SUV at the crosswalk.
October 13, 2026: Ayaz Pathan made his first appearance in Wake County Court.
October 19, 2026: Crews completed the installation of new flashing pedestrian signs.
December 3, 2026: Ayaz Pathan is scheduled for his next court appearance.
Fall 2028: The NCDOT plans to install a pedestrian hybrid beacon.
Legal Context
The city's planned 2028 installation of a pedestrian hybrid beacon follows the North Carolina Department of Transportation's pedestrian hybrid beacon standards. This upgrade marks a shift from passive signage to active, signalized protection for crosswalks in high-traffic zones.
Drivers using Ederlee Drive should remain alert for the new flashing pedestrian signs and be prepared to yield. The area remains under investigation, and residents should report any further safety hazards to local authorities.
The takeaway
Pedestrian safety improvements are often implemented in phases, starting with high-visibility signage before permanent infrastructure. Residents should observe all new traffic signals to ensure the safety of those utilizing crosswalks in their neighborhoods.
What happens next
Ayaz Pathan is scheduled to return to Wake County Court on December 3, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local traffic safety initiatives on our Cary Accidents page.
