School zone safety is a two-way street

The Cassville Police Department reminds community members that increased traffic will be seen in and around the Cassville Schools with classes back in session this week. School zone laws and safety must be observed by drivers and pedestrians alike around school zones.

Drivers are reminded that special reduced speed limit signs are posted in school zones. Flashing lights are also in place to remind drivers about reduced speeds. Enforcement will be increased during high traffic times before and after school.

"We want to put an emphasis this year on asking parents to have multiple conversations with their school children about safety during the school year," said Cassville Police Chief Dana Kammerlohr. "There needs to be equal awareness and responsibility with parents and school children as well as drivers in the area."

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) traffic collisions are the leading cause of death for children under 15 years of age, with almost one-third of all pedestrian and vehicle casualties in this age group. Children's involvement in traffic collisions peak between 5 and 9 years of age when youngsters are just beginning school.

Children in this age group lack the knowledge and experience needed to deal safely with many traffic situations. Parents can lessen the hazards children face by teaching safe walking habits and involving their children in the selection of the safest route to and from school.

AAA offers the following tips for parents:

Children should remember to go directly to and from school or the school bus stop, cross at corners and cooperate with police, school safety patrols and adult crossing guards. Youngsters should also search in all directions for approaching vehicles before crossing any street, obey all traffic signals and watch for vehicles that might turn.

If a child must walk on a road that does not have a sidewalk, they should walk facing traffic and as far away from the roadway surface as possible. Youngsters should be extra alert in bad weather when drivers have trouble seeing and stopping.

Kids who must walk after dark, should always wear something reflective or light-colored and carry a flashlight.