EHGAZETTE

Like all the people, all over the area, I am asking what happened to summer? Where did it go? Since there is no answer to that question that will satisfy most people I must face the fact that summer is over and fall is coming to our area, fast! Along with fall comes School and as I start my 39th year driving school children to school I have some advice for parents who are also sending or even driving their children to school.

Please make sure that your child always has Identification (name, address & phone number) on him. You would be surprised how often if asked, a child will respond that he lives in a blue house rather than give his street address. Should that child be involved in an accident or have gotten on the wrong bus, a "blue house" answer won't get information to the parents who need to know what has happened to their child.

Also I must remind all drivers that when they see a school bus that has its amber lights (yellow) start to flash that it signals that they should approach with caution as that bus is getting ready to stop.

Unfortunately, some driver's think that when they see the amber lights that they should speed up and get around the bus before it stops! That act could easily injure a child or put all the children on that bus in jeopardy. I have seen a number of drivers are ignoring not only amber flashing lights but also the Red Stop Lights. Those actions are reportable offenses and a Bus Driver can write up a Violation Notice, give it to the Police and cause a large fine($450.00)) to be assessed on the drivers that ignore Amber or Red Stop Signs on the busses. School bus drivers should be encouraged to issue those notices when they see flagrant drivers that could put children's lives in jeopardy.

Another area that puts children in harm's way is parents who think it is acceptable to stop in the street and let their children leave the vehicle to go to school. Some Parents double park on a street to let their children exit the vehicle. These children are then subject to other driver's anger over the situation and hurrying to go on their way.

We have had traffic cones driven over by parents who feel that they should not be restricted from driving where they want to drive. Forbes Street, from Goodwin School past the High School is a Traffic Nightmare each day from 7 AM till the school day starts and at the end of school day.

An accident, no matter how minor, only complicates the situation further. It is not possible, some days, to get an emergency vehicle around that traffic easily. This has happened twice on the first week of school. Drivers who think they will avoid the traffic by going thru Godar Terrace, racing to beat other traffic, further complicates the situation as they try to re enter Forbes St.

I have reported these problems to the Mayor. I have asked her to report these problems, once again, to the police Chief to have him assign traffic patrol to the area during this heavy traffic time at the high school, both morning and afternoon. Driver's need to realize that Traffic around schools at the beginning and end of the school day is going to be heavy and either avoid the areas or expect to slow down and show patience and courtesy.

I don't want a child to be injured because we did nothing. As I reminded the Mayor, at the last Town Council Meeting, something has to be done that works because what we have now certainly is not working!
We are spending thousands of dollars educating our children. We have as much responsibility to keep them safe as well. Please, Mayor, do something. Doing nothing just won't work anymore!

The Editor replies: Thanks to the Harmon Paid For committee for this. The fact is, Forbes Street has been like this for many years. Having sensible advice such as from one of the bus drivers is one thing; having drivers who are late take that advice is another matter entirely. We are certain the Board of Education and high school administrators are aware of this, and will act on your suggestions, Pat. Soon, we hope!

Pat Harmon
Town Council (R)