Drivers, parents, children should use extra caution

  • Published
  • By Air Force Staff Sgt. Blake Mize
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The beginning of a new school year can be a very exciting time for children, parents and communities in general. It can be a fresh start or the next step in a long journey. And, obviously, it means high school football season is here.

With all the excitement also comes a renewed responsibility to exercise precautions that ensure kids can get to and from school safely.

"Drivers are asked to observe posted speed limits and obey parking signs on school property," said Adele Daniels, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson school liaison officer. "Also, it is important to remember not to park in bus lanes for student drop-off. This is necessary for student safety and for students to be able to exit the bus and enter school on time."

There are also many more pedestrians around schools to watch out for during the school year.

"Many students on JBER walk to school, so drivers are asked to be especially attentive during this time of the year," Daniels said.

In Alaska, cars are not the only potential hazard to pedestrians. The various wildlife found here can also pose a threat.

"Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid short cuts," said Mark Sledge, 673d Civil Engineer Squadron wildlife conservation officer. "Moose that bed down or are feeding off the main walkways are just being moose and they frequent those areas. State guidance does not allow us to haze animals away from those areas."

If children, or anyone for that matter, encounter a dangerous animal, Sledge said to leave it alone and do everything possible not to provoke it.

"Children should not try to scare the animal or throw things at it," Sledge said. "They should go back home and tell a parent or go back to school and tell a teacher who should call the JBER Law Enforcement Desk [at 552-3421], who will then contact us."

Parents can do their part by reminding their children of the unique safety concerns that come along with living in Alaska as well as the ones that are the same anywhere.

"Parents should ensure their children know to stay on the sidewalks and not take shortcuts through housing or the woods," Sledge said. "If moose are at a school bus stop, on a sidewalk or on school grounds, call the LE Desk to report it."

"Parents are asked to speak with students about following the instructions of the bus driver being safe and responsible at the bus stop," Daniels said.

Ralph McHenry, 673d Air Base Wing Safety Office, stressed the importance of becoming familiar with laws regarding school-related traffic, such as never passing a stopped bus or blocking a crosswalk. He also reminded that winter is coming, which means conditions will be that much more unfavorable for pedestrians - especially small, unpredictable ones.
"As the daylight wanes, bright colors and reflective materials help you to be seen," McHenry said. "They are required for military members in traffic situations and a great idea for all other pedestrians. During winter in Alaska the sun remains lower on the horizon making it much more difficult to see both from direct light and reflection off of icy surfaces - when roads are icy, slow down and increase following and stopping distances."

School for students attending schools on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson started Wednesday for grades two through 12 and begins August 27 for kindergarten and first grade.

On JBER-Richardson, school is in session from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and from 9:15 until 3:45 p.m. on JBER-Elmendorf. Traffic around schools may be heavier around these times as kids are dropped off and picked up. Remember there are also sports practices and children may be out later, too.

For more information about back-to-school safety, the following are a few of the many online resources that are available:

www.safercar.gov/parents/BackToSchool.htm
www.nsc.org/safety_home/SafetyObservances/Pages/BackToSchoolSafety.aspx
www.asdk12.org/parents/safety/
www.kids.usa.gov