Mrs. Lefler is unfortunately at her wits end along with the PTA Members, teachers and over half the school population. Hundreds of children’s lives are at risk every day as selfish parents continue to ignore parking and pedestrian rules outside schools. Over half of the school is driven to school each day. The other half walk to school. With people illegally parking, double parking, running across the street in unmarked zones, cutting people off, speeding, etc… (you see my point) it is like waging war with nightmare parents who continuously ignore the traffic laws. Most everyone learned these laws at the age of 16.
In 2005, sixteen children aged 7 or under were killed or seriously injured each week in road related accidents. Those aged between 8 and 11 were killed or injured at a rate of 23 per day(2).
Most school journeys are less than a mile long and the lack of consideration for pedestrians and road users in some areas are astounding. Getting children safely through the day is a priority for all parents and educators who will NOT HESITATE in using powers against ARROGANT drivers causing school traffic congestion and safety issues.
You do not park in RED ZONES! Common sense. You don’t cross where there is no CROSSING ZONE. Again Common sense. You don’t SPEED in school zones. Common Sense. Need I mention the LAW! So, stop giving the PTA members out there trying to help with the safety of our children the “highway salute”. Stop treating the teachers that educate your children disrespectfully. If you fail to heed this warning when the Pepper Drive Gate is closed don’t say you were not warned. The gate was opened as a favor to parents and henceforth should be treated as a reward not an obligation. If you are ignorant to the traffic laws don’t hesitate to contact someone who will promptly inform you of what they are and why you should obey them.
Sadly enough we are all witnessing a groundswell of parents disregarding the safety of our children to get a prime slot at the school gate entrances. School officials and PTA Members are doing a wonderful job of providing safety routes to the school but, sadly their are those single-minded individuals who are happy to risk the lives of our children and their own.
It is quite ironic that people tell me they drive their child to school because it is safer. In fact, parents are making it more dangerous by the way they drive and park. Surely it isn’t too much to ask that they make children’s safety their number ONE priority.
Food for thought people. Food for thought!
Daniel Webster Elementary 