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Back to school safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mariah Haddenham
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
Summer is drawing to a close and that means back to school for the children and parents assigned to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

The 36th Wing Safety Office and local school officials have released safety tips precautions motorists and pedestrians alike should follow to keep students safe during periods of high traffic times near the base schools.

TRAFFIC SAFETY TIPS
Safety tips for Motorists:

-The speed limit in housing is 15 miles per hour.

- Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones

-Take extra time to look for children at intersections, on medians and curbs

-Enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully
- Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours

Safety tips for pedestrians:

-Cross at street corners or designated crosswalks only
- Never run in the street

- Do not cross streets from between parked cars

- School bus passengers should walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them after unloading

- Walk on sidewalks if available

- Stop at intersections and look in all directions

"Most intersections will be manned by teachers and faculty members, while the Santa Rosa intersections will only be manned by volunteers," said Senior Airman Stacy Turnipseed, 36th Wing ground safety technician. "Drop off for the students' takes place between 7:20 a.m. to 7:35 a.m."

Turnipseed also noted the elementary school uses two lanes for drop-offs in front of the school. The lane closest to the school is reserved for drop-offs only, while the other lane gives parents access to the school parking lot, so they can walk into the school with their children.. Parking spots are also available for parents with pre-kindergarten and kindergarteners who need to be walked to their classrooms.

The traffic flow plan includes an additional parking lot connected to the main parking lot and a right-turn only lane to exit the parking lot.

"With the traffic in this area, we also want parents to be aware that the crosswalks occupied by teachers will not be manned after the 7:35 a.m. morning bell," Turnipseed said.

It is recommended parents discuss safe ways to board and exit the bus with their children, especially when having to cross a road. If elementary-age children are going to walk to school, their parents should discuss with them the safest route. Turnipseed said it is important to stress that the shortest route might not always be the safest route.

Students who ride a bus to the school are dropped off in the designated area and must renew their bus pass yearly. Parents can call school bus transportation at 366-5467 for more details.

For more school safety tips, contact the wing safety office at 366-7233.