Pedestrian awareness

Drivers, be alert: In the next two weeks the village streets and town roads will be filled with students walking to and from their bus stops.
In response to the current economic situation Warwick Valley School District has had to consolidate bus stops and extend walking zones for many students.
During a time when distracted driving (i.e., texting) is on the rise the safety of our children is increasing in the hands of the driving public.
Drivers, pay attention: Children are smaller than adults and less visible, younger children have difficulty judging distance and speed, and children do not use their peripheral vision well.
Drivers, please exercise caution especially on streets with no sidewalks, roads with sharp and blind curves, dark morning hours, and in the winter when snow clogs shoulder space. As always obey speed limits everywhere.
Parents, please take some time to educate your children in safe walking behaviors such as no running, walking single file along shoulders, no earbuds or electronics while walking and obeying all traffic signs and signals. Parents and their children should practice walking their new routes before Sept. 7 to identify possible dangers and model safe behaviors.
The first full day of school is Friday, Sept. 7, and drivers are accustom to morning and afternoon bus routes but be aware there are days with modified schedules and students will be on the streets and roads at unusual times.
Together, as a community, parents and drivers, we can improve pedestrian safety and increase our awareness.
No phone call or text message is more important than the life of an innocent child.

Barbara Glover
Warwick parent