School officials urge base residents to practice safe habits

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John D. Partlow
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  While driving around base, many Yokota residents may notice the increase in yellow buses filled with children. That's because base schools are now open for the new school year. With that comes the need for extra attention focused on safety.

When driving, people need to practice good situational awareness, especially around school zones where children may be traveling to and from school.

"When driving in and around the school perimeter and parking lots, people should be on the lookout for children who may be crossing the street," said Tonya Laliberte, Joan K. Mendel Elementary School assistant principal. "Children should be using the crosswalks, but there are occasional instances when students walk through parking lots or cross the street, unaware of on coming dangers."

Children are urged to practice good safety habits on base as well during this school year.
"One way children can ensure their own safety is to pay special attention while in school parking lots and crosswalks," said Laliberte.

"Parents and children should always communicate with one another to ensure they know modes of transportation and set expectations for school arrival and dismissal," she continued.

Planning between students and their parents can be very useful during the critical hours of safety.

The critical hours of safety occur around 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., when students are first arriving and departing the school grounds. During this time, schools have a regulated speed limit of 20 kilometers per hour assigned to zones surrounding the buildings to ensure safe driving while students are present.

"People need to watch their speed in each zone, but more importantly, they need to watch for students that are out and about," said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Bozsoki, 374th Airlift Wing Safety office.

All schools on Yokota have high expectations for safety this year, and they are always looking for members to join their cause.

"We welcome anyone to be a part of promoting safety in and around the schools," said Laliberte. "We look forward to working in partnership with parents as we progress through the school year."