JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- In less than a week, the majority of area schools will be in session. The 673d Air Base Wing Safety Office reminds service members and families driving to and from work or dropping off their children to be situationally aware.
“Keep an eye on children once school is in session, especially during busy hours in the morning and afternoon,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. John Reed, 673d Safety Office occupational safety technician. “Always stop for anyone on the crosswalk, and drivers should yield to the pedestrians.”
Reed added drivers need to be alert because children can potentially cross the street without using a crosswalk. He also mentioned parents should educate their children to use the pedestrian crosswalk when walking, and to look both ways.
Parents should instruct their children on which route to take, how to get there and encourage children to walk in a bigger crowd, so they are easily visible.
“Since we are in Alaska, it will start getting darker soon,” Reed said. “An important safety habit is to wear clothing that has a reflective material.”
He noted there is zero tolerance for passing a school bus when the red or amber flashing lights are on.
According to the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, when a driver is approaching a school bus from either the front or rear, they may not pass the school bus if red signal lights are flashing. Drivers must bring their vehicles to a complete stop until the stop sign is retracted, after which the drivers may proceed with caution. The same applies to when drivers see a bus with flashing amber warning lights.
The Anchorage School District recommends students who are waiting for the school bus should do the following:
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Stay a safe distance from the roadway
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Walk on the left side of the road facing traffic
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Wait to approach the bus until the bus has come to a complete stop, the red lights are on, and the bus driver gives the signal to approach
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Let smaller children board first
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Students must cross the roadway in front of the school bus only when given the signal to do so by the school bus driver.
Reed also urged parents to be mindful when driving on school property, such as the parking lots; the speed limit is five miles per hour.
Reed said to make sure vehicle operators are pull to the front of the line and next to the curb to prevent traffic backups when parents are dropping their children off to school.
The first day of school for first through 12th graders will be on Aug. 21; and kindergarten begins Aug. 28.