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Be aware of school zone traffic and access rules

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
Now that the children are back in school, base officials want to remind members of Team Scott about school zone traffic and entry procedures in that area.

The speed limit in base housing is 15 mph and just 5 mph in the Scott Elementary School parking lot. Off-base, the speed limit in school zones is 20 mph.

Members of the 375th Security Forces Squadron are enforcing speed limits around the school using radars, according to Staff Sgt. Kolin Jones, 375th SFS operations support NCO. They are also doing walking patrols near the area and checking for drivers using their cell phones. Those who choose to speed near the school on-base can be cited, and those citations can add points to the violator's driving record, based on speed.

"The safety of the children and the base are always at the forefront of our minds," said Jones. "Patrols in the area of the school take a more proactive interest in that particular area for the safety of our children attending the school."

Jones advised drivers to also be aware of the crosswalk between the Youth Center and the school as there are crossing guards during the school gate hours, "so please be mindful of their presence as they assist children crossing the street."

Tech. Sgt. Wynee Diaz, 375th Air Mobility Wing ground safety NCO in charge, added that parents and caretakers can take this opportunity to teach children to obey all traffic rules, whether walking, biking or riding the school bus.

Gate access

For this school year, the pedestrian and vehicle gates are open from 6:30-8:30 a.m. for drop-off and again from 2:30-4 p.m. for pick-up. Additionally, the pedestrian gate is open for pre-kindergarten pick-up and drop-off from 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The hours can be adjusted if needed and at the request of school administrators.

As a reminder, a school gate vehicle pass and valid ID is required for anyone dropping off or picking their children up from school. Valid IDs are the CAC, retiree identification card, dependent ID card, or other defense biometrics identification system access card. Passes can be obtained through the school. Additionally, the gate is for school access only and should not be used for regular travel.

"[Those using the gate] must be either dropping off or picking their children up. You cannot exit the base through the school gate or use it for regular entry. You must have a pass, an ID, and a valid reason to use the gate," said Jones. "I'm sure everyone will agree that our children are our most precious asset, and we as a security forces squadron want to work with you to protect them. The best way to do that is to obey the traffic laws and be careful as we drive through this area."

Safety tips from security forces and the safety office

For drivers:

· Watch out for children walking or biking in the area.

· Obey all traffic laws.

· Obey the crossing guard.

· Reduce distractions inside your vehicle.

· Concentrate on the road.

· Using a cell phone while driving is against the law in Illinois and using a cell phone in a school zone is also against the law.

For pedestrians and bike riders:

· Mind all traffic signals and the crossing guard.

· Never cross the street against the light, even if you don't see any traffic coming.

· Choose a route with the fewest street crossings.

· Use crosswalks with crossing guards as often as possible.

· Walk your bike through intersections.

· Bright clothing or outer garments make children more visible to drivers.

· Backpacks or lunchboxes should have reflective markings to increase visibility.