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                               January 12, 2001

School Zone Traffic Safety

Now that the holidays are over and children are returning to school, it’s time to reaffirm our community’s commitment to traffic safety near schools and school crossings.

In the past 20 years, school bus and school crossing-related injuries have continuously claimed the lives of more United States children ages 1-19 than all diseases combined.

Each year one in every five children requires medical attention; 600,000 require hospitalization, 30,000 have permanent disabilities and 22,000 die. Sadly, pedestrian accidents result in the most frequent and severe injuries.

Here are some friendly reminders for enhancing the safety of you or your neighbor’s children as they go to school:

n School zones at USMA are posted at 15 MPH.

n During early morning hours it may be difficult to see children walking or riding bikes -- use caution.

n Give pedestrians the right-of-way.

n Be especially cautious in neighborhoods without sidewalks where walking on the streets is a must.

n Watch for children crossing streets both at crosswalks and elsewhere.

n Remember that traffic must stop in both directions for a bus while it is stopped with its red flashing lights on. Failure to stop under these circumstances is a serious violation of the NYS Motor Vehicle and Traffic Law. Violators can be fined anywhere from $250-$400 for a first offense.

In addition to during school hours, schools, playgrounds and parks can be busy evenings and weekends with children involved in sports, extended academics, scouting and other special events. Always be careful.