This is the time of year when parents and children anticipate the start of school... and when crossing guards will soon be assisting children as they cross the street.  The crossing guards expect to cross the children with the light changes, but motorists still need to be aware of emergency conditions and times when the light and the crossing guard are not "in sync".

One of the concerns at the crosswalk is that motorists pay more attention to the stop light than to the crossing guards.  Whenever the crossing guard holds up their stop sign, whether the light is green or red, motorists need to stop a safe distance behind the cross walk--at least 20 feet.  Even if the crossing guard is the only person in the street, motorists need to wait until the crossing guard is out of the road and the sign is put down.

Another concern is motorists who are turning.  When children are in the crosswalks, motorists should wait for a signal from the crossing guard that a turn is okay.  Turns away from the direction the children are moving are not as bad, but turns toward the movement of the children can be extremely dangerous.  Please wait for the signal from the guards.

Parents, the guards rely a lot on you to teach your children to be safe when using the crosswalks.  It is a scary feeling when children press the curb and get too near the traffic, even though they may be still on the sidewalk.  There should be at least a foot of sidewalk between them and the highway.  Please teach them to be obedient and show respect to the guards.  Children should never go back into the road after the guard has crossed them, unless they are motioned back.  Bikes, skateboards, and scooters should be walked or carried, and roller blades should not be worn.

Parents, walkers, joggers or those who work in the area and need to cross the highway, should use the crossing guard during the times the guards are on duty, and not cross on their own. Doing so gives support to the guard for the children to follow.  It also reduces confusion on the part of the motorists, and the crossing guards.

LaVerkin is lucky to have such a dedicated crossing guard as Debi Lefevre. Appreciation also goes to those council members and others who assist in this important responsibility. Have a safe school year!