September Dear Mrs A
Dear Mrs. A,
With all of the back-to-school frenzy, it feels like folks have forgotten about the school zones. Could you issue a gentle reminder of the importance of slowing down?
– Concerned in Castle Pines
Dear Reader,
You are so right, and it deserves special mention.
First and foremost is child safety. Children are unpredictable and may suddenly step into the road or in between cars and buses in the school parking lot. Slowing down gives drivers more time to react and stop if necessary.
According to the National Highway Transporation Safety Administration, there are an average of 111 fatalities per year that occur in school transportation-related crashes; 70% of which were occupants of other vehicles.
Second, speed limits in school zones are legally enforced to protect children, and fines and penalties for speeding in these areas are stiff and severe.
Look for the yellow flashing lights and speed limits signs with designated school zone times in front of the four schools in our area: American Academy (LaGae Road and Mira Vista Lane), DCS Montessori and Timber Trail Elementary (Castle Pines Parkway) and Buffalo Ridge Elementary (Monarch Boulevard). During these morning and afternoon windows, carpool lines can back up on the roads in front of the schools, so use caution when passing.
So, everybody slow down in the school zones during posted hours and heed those caution lights. These are simple and effective ways of ensuring the safety of children and others in the area.
Big Love,
Mrs. A
