Keep safety first in time of changes

School opening is always a time of change for students, teachers and staff, but none more so than this year in the McCook Public Schools.

In addition to the usual transitions from one grade to the next, many students are finding themselves in an entirely different school than they might have expected, thanks to the school's reorganization plan.

West Ward is closed, new students have been assigned to North Ward and East Ward, Central is now for fourth- and fifth graders, and sixth-through eighth-graders have been assigned to the Junior High.

Yes, youngsters will have plenty on their mind as they travel to their first day of classes.

Watching out for traffic probably won't be one of them. Unfortunately, it should be. In 2002 in Nebraska, four children under the age of 14 were struck and killed by motorists. In addition, 288 children were injured in motorist-pedestrian or motorist-bicyclist collisions, reflecting an increase of nearly 10 percent over the previous year.

"Motorists must keep in mind that some children have little experience in dealing with traffic situations," said Rose White, public affairs director for AAA Nebraska. In addition, many motorists have forgotten, or never learned, some of the basic traffic safety laws that apply.

When approaching a school bus from either direction, motorists must slow to 25 mph and prepare to stop when the amber warning lights are activated. Stop a reasonable distance from the bus while the bus's stop arm is extended.

Follow laws concerning child safety restraint. All persons under the age of 16 are required to be buckled up, and all children up to age 6 must be in a proper safety or booster seat.

In addition, the AAA urges motorists to follow these safety tips:

Slow down in or near schools and obey posted speed limits.

If necessary, use your horn to warn children of your approaching vehicle.

Make certain all vehicle occupants are properly buckled up.

Drive with your headlights on -- even during the day ñ so children and other drivers can see you.

Be extra alert in school zones or near playgrounds.

Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs that children may be present.

Use extra caution in bad weather as your vision will be hampered and it will be more difficult to bring your vehicle to a safe stop when wet or slick road conditions prevail.