With the opening of school this week, it is time to remind both drivers and children that traffic safety is a two-way street. Drivers have to be extra careful concerning children, and children must learn the proper etiquette when cross the street.
Drivers must heed the fact that children congregating on street corners waiting for bus transport will be sometimes unaware of the surroundings. Whether playing with friends, or, in more recent years, texting or talking on phones, young people can put themselves in harm’s way.
Drivers are aware of this, but should exercise extreme cau- tion during morning and afternoon pick-up and delivery. That includes obeying flashing signals.
Children, though, have to be taught about proper safety when waiting for buses. Darting out into the street, or as we have seen, playing chicken with cars can result in injury or worse.
Now that school is back in session we have to — all of us — pay closer attention to the actions of pedestrians and drivers. That is not too much to expect from both parties.
We have seen the results when things go awry and accidents happen.