August brings students back to school Published Aug. 4, 2011 By Will Harding 17th Training Wing Safety GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Summer is coming to an end and the start of school is quickly approaching. As parents, it is our responsibility to do our best to keep our children safe as they walk, bike, or are bused to and from school. Education is key to keeping our kids safe. They should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old. The school crossings in San Angelo are manned by crossing guards during hours that children are going to or coming back from school. Streets should be crossed at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Jaywalking is not only unsafe, but illegal. Children should be taught to never run out into the street or cross in between parked cars. Children who ride a bus to school should know to walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them. Drivers must once again get used to slowing down, and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones. The speed limit in most residential areas is 30 mph and the posted speed limit through school zones is 20 mph. Police patrol these areas frequently, so chances of getting away with speeding through these areas are very slim. Drivers should take extra time to look for children at intersections, on medians and on curbs. Exiting driveways and alleys should be done slowly and carefully. Drivers should be watchful of children on the road during the morning and after school hours. Distractions inside the car should be kept at a minimum to allow for concentration on the road and surroundings. So put the phone down, and don't talk or text while driving. Remember, it's illegal to text or use a cell phone in a school zone. Drivers should keep their mind on the task at hand ... DRIVING. What can be so pressing that it cannot wait until the car is stopped? It would be a terrible thing to severely injure or kill a child just because someone was distracted while driving.
