8/15/2012 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The new year begins at all area schools this month, so back-to-school safety should be a priority for everyone.
It is important for drivers to be aware of children of all ages traveling to and from school.
For parents, it's important to teach children to obey traffic rules, whether walking, biking or riding the school bus.
If your child walks to school, walk the route with him or her before the first day of school. Make sure to choose the route with the fewest street crossings and use crosswalks with crossing guards as often as possible.
If your child rides a bike or skateboards to school, make sure they wear a helmet.
For drivers, be alert around residential neighborhoods and school zones.
The speed limit in base housing is 15 mph and 5 mph in the Scott Elementary parking lot. The speed limit in off-base school zones is 20 mph. Drivers must obey speed limits and follow directions given by crossing guards and personnel directing traffic.
Reduce distractions inside your vehicle to help concentrate on the road and watch for children. Not only is texting while driving against the law in Illinois, using a cell phone in a school zone is also against the law.
Let's get the school year off to a good start by keeping everyone safe.
