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Councilman Greg Stanton's
Arcadia News Column
August 2002
With the new school year getting underway, it is essential that we remind drivers to pay particular attention when driving near schools. Many children in our community walk to school or are dropped off by their parents, creating a great deal of pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and the potential for accidents and injuries.
The Phoenix City Council established the School Safety Task Force to find additional ways to prevent accidents near schools. The task force worked with local schools and community leaders to evaluate school safety city wide and developed 26 recommendations that were adopted by the city. The initiatives include new crossing guard training videos, a photo speed enforcement project at schools, and special signage and street markings that serve to more effectively capture drivers' attention and remind them that children are nearby.
A photo speed enforcement pilot program was successful and has been implemented by the city. Two photo safety vans will rotate among Phoenix schools, particularly those located near busier streets. The vans use photo radar technology to ensure that vehicles heed the reduced speed limits near schools.
Crossing guards are a critical part of school traffic safety. They have received brighter uniforms and additional training. Crossing guards are special people who help keep our kids safe every school day. Parents and schools can partner with us to make sure students are safe en route to and from school:
- Contact your principal about creating a "Safest Route to School Plan." The city's Street Transportation Department can work with school administrators to identify the best way for children to arrive to school on foot. The city also conducts school safety audits, evaluating everything from traffic flow to sidewalk needs.
- Walk with your children to school periodically so you know what route they are using. Also, walking instead of driving reduces congestion near schools and the potential for accidents as children get in and out of cars in the street.
- If you see speeding around a school, report it by calling 602-534-SPEED.
Please pay special attention as you drive around schools. It only takes a moment for a tragedy to occur.
If you are interested in how your school can enhance its traffic safety, or if you have comments or concerns you would like to discuss with me, please feel free to call my office at 602-262-7491 or send e-mail to greg.stanton@phoenix.gov.
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