By Ben Rodgers
Editor
Class at local schools is back in session and with it comes students walking to and from school, taking the bus, or riding their bikes. Drivers need to keep an eye out now more than ever.
Locally, law enforcement was making the rounds at crosswalks Tuesday, Sept. 3, as part of Operation Frogger.
Law enforcement was stationed at various locations in Allouez, Ashwaubenon, Bellevue, Denmark, De Pere, Green Bay, Howard and Suamico.
This was the third time Frogger was in effect and so far, nearly 200 warnings and 50 citations have been issued during the regional crosswalk education enforcement events.
Crosswalk safety is important year-round, but with more students walking and biking to school, especially in neighborhoods, it’s important to remember some tips.
Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and don’t stop in the middle of a crosswalk.
When approaching a crosswalk, reduce your speed and be prepared to stop.
When you are stopped at a crosswalk, allow enough room between your vehicle and the crosswalk so other drivers can see pedestrians you have stopped for.
Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk, because they have likely stopped to allow pedestrians to pass, or make sure the path is clear.
These tips may seem simple, but in the hustle and bustle of the morning or afternoon commute, it’s important to follow those rules.
Moreover, when leaving your driveway in the morning, look before you back up. It’s also not a bad idea to walk around your car to check for any children that might be coming in your path as you leave for the day.
When driving in neighborhoods, especially those without sidewalks, be on the lookout for school buses. Drive slowly and look for children crossing the street.
Kids are taught to look both ways before crossing a street, but they could be running late like anyone else and may dart into traffic if they are distracted.
If you see a bus when driving and the stop sign is extended, drivers must stop 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion, or the bus operator puts the sign away.
This law does not apply to vehicles driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway, but does apply if no barrier is present on a multi-lane street or highway.
Failure to do so could result in a fine between $30 and $300.
If all this seems excessive, you should realize, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more school-age pedestrians have been killed from 7-8 a.m. and from 3-4 p.m. than any other time of day.
I think we all would rather be late to work because of driving behind a school bus, instead of having to explain to law enforcement why your vehicle struck a child crossing the street.
Do your part, pay attention, slow down and take your time getting where you need to go.