On the lookout -- Back to school means back to bus safety Published Aug. 19, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson and Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- With most local schools opening their doors Aug. 24, it's important for parents to discuss safety with children, and for Ellsworth members to reestablish their driver awareness after the three-month summer vacation. In addition to ensuring the first day of school goes smoothly, Larilee Webb, Ellsworth school bus contract manger, said special attention should be given to children who are starting school for the first time. "Children tend to run in front of buses," she said. "Parents should be at the bus stop the first day of school to help children get on the bus safely." Ensuring that younger children know their home of record information is also important. "If the bus driver has a question as to where the child should be dropped off this can really scare kindergarteners on their first day because most of them don't know their address or phone numbers," she said. The sometimes brutal South Dakota weather can also impact the safety of the school bus passengers. "Some parents have to go to work early so they end up leaving a young child outside for up to an hour," she said. "This can be dangerous for children when the winter season is in full gear." Safety at Ellsworth bus stops is important, but so is driver awareness. The 28th Bomb Wing ground safety office said the following easy-to-avoid driving habits not only prevent drivers from getting stopped by security forces, they also ensure the safety of both the driver and the passengers: · Do not cut off the buses · Do mind posted speed limits in housing · Do yield to pedestrians in crosswalks · Slow down and stop for school buses · Be alert and watch for children crossing · Helmets: Children should wear a bicycle helmet when biking or riding a scooter to and from school Drivers should also be aware of flashing lights on buses. "The red flashing lights on school buses mean stop," said Tech. Sgt. Mary Circe, 28 BW NCO in charge of ground safety. "The yellow flashing lights mean be prepared to stop for a pick-up or proceed with caution for a drop off." It's also important for drivers and children alike to consider common electronics distractions while driving (or walking) through school bus stops and routes. "Avoid complacency and remain vigilant," Sergeant Circe said. "Knowing that kids are out and about again listening to music, texting, talking on cell phones and probably not paying attention to traffic is a very good factoid [for drivers] to arm yourself with before starting up your engines and hitting the road." Teamwork between parents, security forces and safety-minded motorists can all help ensure Ellsworth's children start their academic year off safely. "All safety tips are important to follow but let's face it, we are talking about children and that should make us that much more cautious and alert [of our driving habits]," Sergeant Circe said. For more safety information, contact Ellsworth's safety office at (605) 385-7233 (SAFE).