Think student safety

If you were driving a motor vehicle in the Hartselle area Monday morning, you probably noticed how much the traffic increased from the previous week.

The reason, of course, was the start of a new school year. It seemed that at least one motor vehicle from every residence in town was on the road carrying children to school or returning home between the hours of 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. Every traffic light and stop sign was inundated with cars, trucks and school buses.

The number of vehicles competing for parking space at Crestline Elementary School was even more mind-boggling. The school’s parking space was quickly filled and the overrun extended two to three blocks away. At the same time, parents and children were moving from all directions to reach the lobby and sign in for a brief visit with teachers. meanwhile, hundreds of students were being picked up at their homes and transported to their respective schools by buses.

Fortunately, calmness prevailed and the new school term got off to a good start without any major accidents being reported.

However, it should be noted that anytime there is heavy traffic and school buses are on the road loaded with children there is the possibility of an accident occurring. Perish the thought of that ever happening. At the same time all of us who operate motor vehicles should be reminded of the extra danger of an accident happening to a child when schools are in session. We all should be vigilant in obeying traffic laws and driving defensively.

Best wishes to all faculty members and students for a safe and productive school year.