School time traffic raises safety concerns

Children in USD 443 returned to school Thursday, causing an increase in traffic and safety problems, said Dodge City police.
    The Dodge City Police Department encourages pedestrians, bikers and drivers to use caution during this time of year, especially during the morning and afternoon hours when children are arriving to school or returning home.
    "People have to be patient, keep speeds down, watch for children and leave early," police Lt. Tim Herrera said. 
    Across the country, 56 million children will return to school this month,  according to the Automobile Club of Southern California. The increase in both automobile and pedestrian traffic during the school year poses safety risks.
    "Traffic congestion in school parking lots and streets near campuses increases after school's in session and increases hazards children face while walking to and from school or waiting at bus stops," said Anita Lorz, the lead of the traffic safety team for the organization.
    Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death in the U.S. for children under the age of 15. One-fifth of those who die in car crashes are pedestrians, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
    The high price of gas could also cause pedestrian traffic to increase as more people choose to walk or bike to school.
    Herrera said the city is fortunate because the number of car accidents has not risen lately. He said, however, that people should still take precautions. 
    "People need to look for children walking between cars and reduce speeds in school zones," Herrera said.
    Herrera said drivers should expect increased traffic, especially on Ross Boulevard, Sixth Avenue and 14th Avenue, where intersections and school parking lots can become congested.  
    "The roads never seem to be wide enough," he said.
    Police officers patrol high-traffic school zones to help protect the many children in the area, Herrera said. A police officer was at Dodge City High School on Thursday to help direct cars and keep traffic moving safely. 
    "We encourage our officers to hit all the school zones and keep a close eye on 14th and Ross because of the extra traffic," he said. 
 
Safety tips
    As part of the Auto Club's 75th Annual "School's Open — Drive Carefully" campaign, motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists are urged to follow these safety tips:
    • Drive slowly in and around school and residential areas. Pay extra attention near schools during the morning and afternoon hours.
    • Obey school zone speed limit signs and come to a complete stop at all intersections.
    • Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students.
    • Drive with headlights on so children and other drivers can see you.
    • Drive without distractions. Don't use cell phones, eat, apply makeup or shave when you drive.
    • Scan between parked cars, as children could dart into the street near school zones, playgrounds, bus stops and in neighborhoods.
    Pedestrians should remember:
    • Children under age 10 should not cross the street alone.
    • Cross only at corners so drivers can see you.
    • Always use a crosswalk when available, but remember that painted lines can't stop cars.
    • Cross only on the new green light so you have time to cross safely.
    • Use the intersection "walk"/"don't walk" push-button. Cross with the "walk" sign only.
    • Look all ways before crossing, watching for cars that are turning.
    • Never cross the street from between cars. Drivers can't see you.
    • If sidewalks are not provided, walk on the left side of road, facing traffic, to see oncoming cars.
    • Use a flashlight or wear or carry something retro-reflective at night to help drivers see you.
    Bicycle riders should practice the following habits:
    • Keep your bicycle in good mechanical condition.
    • Obey all traffic rules and signs.
    • Walk your bike across busy intersections.
    • Be sure the road is clear before entering.
    • Always ride single file and watch for opening car doors.
    • Use the safest route to your destination. Avoid busy streets and intersections.
  • Don't carry passengers.
  • For safety, all riders should wear a helmet.

For everyone:
    • Leave a little earlier so you're not rushed as you travel to work or school.

Reach Cherise Forno at (620) 408-9931 or e-mail her at cherise.forno@dodgeglobe.com.