As summer comes to an end, many schools have already been in session for the last three weeks. Schools in this area will begin the 2016-2017 school year on Sept. 6. As students get ready to return to school, we, too, must prepare ourselves for their return. What do I mean? Traffic around school zones has not lessened, but has increased, while school buses will be back on the roads, picking up some students in the wee hours of the morning. Drivers must give themselves more time by leaving earlier each day.
Most schools have a school crossing, whether or not they have a school crossing guard. Most school zones have flashing lights that reduce the speed limit to 25 or 35 miles per hour, depending on the street on which they are located. The only problem with these lights is the delay in changing them when the clocks change. The lights have to be adjusted manually. It is vital that all drivers must be extremely careful in the vicinity of school zones, whether the lights are flashing or not. C.C. Wells, on South Chester Road does not have a crossing guard. Traffic is heavy on this street, and there is a large oak tree that blocks visibility for traffic on South Chester going to Happy Hill, as well as pedestrians or traffic on Milsmith Road across the street from the school. On the other hand, Curtis Elementary has a crossing guard. Drivers must be prepared for the crossing guard to stop traffic for walking students, which is the primary job of a crossing guard, as well as allowing parents and buses to turn into the school. These are just a couple of examples of the different things that you can face from one school to the next. Patience is key.
Concerning school buses, many are outfitted with cameras that will record violators who pass school buses when they should stop. There is no excuse for a driver to pass or proceed around a bus stop when a bus’s red lights are flashing. The only time that a car can proceed passed a bus with its red lights flashing is if you are approaching a bus and there is a median between you and the bus. If there is no median, you must stop. Bus drivers have enough on their plates, trying to maintain control of the students on their buses. Why would you add to their stress by driving erratically around their stops? Though I hope not, I am sure that there will be accidents involving school buses during this school year. Do your part to prevent these accidents from occurring at all costs.
For the parents who drive their children to school, you must give yourself enough time to accomplish this. It is when parents are rushed that they “cut” corners by making illegal turns going into bus loops instead of designated parent drop-off areas or by letting children off in unsafe areas. It will take parents of first-year students a little time to figure out the traffic pattern, so be patient and keep in mind that you were there once too.
While we are on this subject, parents need to stay on top of what is going on in their child’s school and life. Children face things in public schools that I would simply call unimaginable. It matters not whether your child is in elementary school, middle school or high school; listen to your children. Stay involved, listen to your child’s teachers, and help your children have a good educational experience. If something does not look right or sound right, then be willing to confront the issue with school officials. Parents are their children’s advocates. Do whatever you must do to let your children know that they can talk to you about anything. We all live in a world that is becoming harder and harder to navigate, especially for our children. Give your children the best possible opportunity to succeed.
