SCHOOLS ARE OPEN - PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY!
Posted: September 6th, 2011 10:26 AM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-09/1294/47404/School_is_Open.JPG (Drive Carefully ! Schools are Open)
The Marion County Sheriff's Office Traffic Safety Team wants to remind drivers that the end of summer and opening of school brings with it some changes in the patterns drivers can expect to see on the roads in Marion County.
Many children will be walking to and from their schools, often with their minds on meeting their new teachers and getting back in touch with friends. Drivers are encouraged to watch for them and anticipate them crossing or running into the streets without using the crosswalks. Children who are getting out of their parent's cars in front of their school often run into traffic without looking; so be careful and watch out for them.
For the protection of the children, the speed limit for school zones is 20 miles per hour. Deputies will be focusing on enforcement in these zones.
Your Traffic Safety Team, Marion County Public Works and the City of Sublimity have worked together to improve the signage around the schools in Sublimity. Reminder notices will be sent the residents in the next water bill mailing.
Drivers are also reminded to watch for school buses flashing their lights to indicate they are stopping to load or unload passengers. The red flashing lights require that drivers traveling in both directions stop until the lights are turned off by the bus driver.
Parents are encouraged to talk with their kids, reinforcing pedestrian safety rules:
Never allow children under age 10 to cross streets alone. Adult supervision is essential until you are sure a child has good traffic skills and judgment.
Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings, using sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
Make sure children know to cross 10 feet in front of a school bus, never behind, and to wait for adults on the same side of the street as the school bus loading or unloading zone.
Always cross at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. Do not assume that because you can see the driver, the driver can see you.
Look left, right and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross. Walk, do not run, across the street.
Be a safe pedestrian around cars; watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
Parents and kids should hold hands in parking lots.
Parents, drivers and students are invited to join the Traffic Safety Team in making this school year a safe one.
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