Watch out for kids heading back to school

Police have issued a warning to drivers to exercise caution when driving now that children are heading back to school after the summer break.

School zones will be active and enforced, noted Mountain Home Police Department Public Information Officer Melanie Broughton.

Mountain Home School District classes start today with a half day of class. The first full day is Thursday, Aug. 14.

The Mountain Home Police is reminding everyone of the following rules of the road and safety tips to ensure a safe 2014-2015 school year:

* All school zones have a 20 mph speed limit, unless otherwise posted. Speeding could result in a driver being charged with speeding in a school zone, inattentive driving, or reckless driving. A violation of the speed restrictions is an infraction punishable by a minimum penalty of not less than $75, plus violators will pay an additional court costs of $41.50, bringing the total to $116.50. It also is a misdemeanor that requires a driver to appear in court if they are charged with inattentive or reckless driving, which could result in a punishment of up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

"So slow down!" Broughton said. "Children under 10 years of age do not quite grasp the magnitude of the dangers that lurk on roadways. They are carefree and often engrossed with thoughts of the day ahead, homework or an athletic activity. The last thing on their mind is you and your motor vehicle.

"Be alert, be cautious, be aware of your surroundings when traveling through a school zone. Take the initiative as a driver to protect children and to keep their environment safe and serene.

* School crossing guards are primarily responsible for facilitating the safe crossing of students to and from school each day in all weather conditions. Stationed at major intersections and crossing points near schools, the crossing guards are trained in traffic and pedestrian safety. Each one wears a highly visible bright yellow or orange reflective safety vest over their clothes. They stop traffic to allow children to safely cross the roadway.

"Failing to obey a crossing guard could be a misdemeanor which requires you to go to court. You could get up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000," Broughton noted.

* Expect delays near schools. Know your route, start early, and drive the posted speed limit.

* Motorists not involved in dropping off or picking up students should consider adjusting their route or schedule in order to avoid arrival and dismissal traffic in front of schools.

* Park only in lawful areas. Parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk is against the law and can obstruct visibility for both pedestrians and motorists.

* Unload school children onto the sidewalk or right side of the vehicle. Unloading school children into a traffic lane could put a child in harms way.

* Do not drop your child off in the middle of the street.

* The School Bus Stop Law says that any driver meeting a school bus or church bus on which the red warning signal lights are flashing should reduce his speed and bring the vehicle to a complete stop while the bus stop signal arm is extended. The vehicle must remain stopped until the stop arm is pulled back and the bus resumes motion.

* The law says that any driver approaching a school bus or church bus from the rear shall not pass the bus when the red warning signal lights are flashing. The vehicle must come to a complete stop when the bus is stopped. The vehicle must remain stopped until the stop arm is pulled back and the bus resumes motion.

* It is illegal to pass a school bus that has stopped to load or unload students. Never pass on the right side of the bus, as that is where the children enter or exit. "This is illegal and can have tragic results," Broughton said. "You must stop and remain stopped until the bus has started moving, or the driver motions for you to proceed, or the visual signals are no longer activated, such as the red flashing lights go off and/or the stop arm is pulled back.

* When the yellow lights on the front and back of the bus are flashing the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles. When the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended that indicates the bus has stopped and that children are getting on or off the bus. Motorist must stop their cars and wait until the Red flashing lights are turned off, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving again before they start driving again.

When driving on a highway with separate roadways for traffic in opposite directions, divided by median space or a barrier not suitable for vehicular traffic, the driver need not stop, but should proceed with caution.

A turn lane in the middle of a four-lane highway is not considered a barrier, but rather is considered a fifth lane that is suitable for vehicular traffic. Drivers meeting a stopped school bus on that type of road are required to stop in both directions.

* When a school bus is stopped at an intersection to load and unload children, drivers from all directions are required to stop until the bus resumes motion. A violation of that statute is a misdemeanor which requires the driver to go to court where they could get up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.

Pedestrians also are encouraged to take some responsibility for their own safety as well.

"The danger of walking to school has never been greater than it is now with texting, tweeting and phone calls to distract drivers. Please be sure to talk to your children about walking to school safely," Broughton said. She suggested parents talk to their children and follow these safety tips:

* Children should walk with an adult until they are at least ten years old and they should hold a grown-up's hand when they cross the street or are in parking lots.

* Always cross the street at a corner or at a crosswalk. Cross with a crossing guard if there is one.

* Walk on a sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the street, facing oncoming traffic.

* Look left, then right, then left again before crossing the street. Continue looking while you cross.

* After dark, make sure children wear light-colored clothing or clothing with reflective material.

* Only cross in front of a bus when the driver says it is safe to do so.

* Do not cross behind the bus or where a driver cannot see you.

* Do not run onto a street for a ball, pet or any other reason.

* Children should always play in a backyard or playground when they are outside and stay away from streets or parking lots whenever possible.

"Here at the Mountain Home Police the safety of our children is a priority," Broughton said. "Please help us keep your children safe this year by following these safety tips. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at 587-2101."