School is back in session on Sept. 6.
The ringing of school bells will tell us kids are back in class. It also should tell drivers to slow down. School zones – with a 20 m.p.h. speed limit – are there for a reason. They save lives.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 20 m.p.h. is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 30 m.p.h.
AAA has some other good advice. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. Don’t rush into and out of driveways. Expect pedestrians on the sidewalk, especially around schools and in neighborhoods.
Stop at stop signs. It seems self-evident, but research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones and neighborhoods.
Watch for bikes. Children on bicycles are often unpredictable so expect the unexpected.
It may be tempting to drive around a stopped school bus, but not only is it dangerous, it’s against the law. In Washington, school districts can now install and operate automated school bus safety cameras to detect traffic violations involving overtaking or meeting a school bus.
If you can’t or won’t meet these minimum safety rules, at least do kids one favor: drive a route that doesn’t take you past a school.
One more school note – there are many school kids still without backpacks and school supplies, even in the Lake Washington School District.
There are several opportunities for you to help. Bill Henkens, owner of the Game Neighborhood Bar & Grill, is accepting backpacks filled with school supplies through Sept. 6. Your donations will go to families served by the Eastside Domestic Violence Program.
Please drop off donations to 13510 100th Ave. N.E. in Kirkland, or call 425- 821-8006 for more information.
Also, Coldwell Banker Bain in Kirkland is hosting a school supply drive through Sept. 3 that will benefit Sibling House. The Kirkland-based nonprofit organization lends support to foster families who take in sibling groups when they are in foster care.
Drop off donations to 8525 120th Ave. N.E., Suite 100, or call 425-602-4150.
