School is back in session and the Duchesne Volunteer Fire Department is encouraging all to drive alert and use extra caution in school zones and cross walks. Their message shared information from the National Safety Council with the following to consider: Most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old, and they’re walking. They are hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus. Precautions to take include, don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn and don’t force pedestrians to go around you as this could put them in the path of moving traffic. In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection. Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign. Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas. Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians. Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way. Finally, always be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.
