Trends Winter 2017 | Page 7

to construction. “Once we got the plans done, everything sort of fell into place like it was supposed to.” “We’ve done temporary signals before, and every time we do there is a challenge,” Bunk said. “Usually there is some sort of deadline we’re under, but this was by far the fastest paced project since I’ve been here.” David Huyck, principal at Crews Lake Middle School, applauded Trowell’s efforts and said the new signal has improved safety around the school. “It was a nightmare to get across that road before that traffic light was there, and now it’s easy,” said Huyck, who drives through the intersection daily. “I was completely shocked by how different it is. It’s made a world of difference.” SCHOOL ZONE SAFE DRIVING TIPS The National Safe Routes to School Program offers several tips to increase safety in school zones. • Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits, both in school zones and in neighborhoods surrounding the school. • Comply with local school dropoff and pickup procedures for the safety of all children accessing the school. • Avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks to let children out of the car. Double parking will block visibility for other children and other motorists. Visibility is further reduced during the rain and fog seasons when condensation forms on car windows. • Avoid loading or unloading children at locations across the street from the school. This forces youngsters to unnecessarily cross busy streets—often mid-block rather than at a crosswalk. • Prepare to stop for a school bus when overhead yellow lights are flashing. Drive with caution when you see yellow hazard warning lights are flashing on a moving or stopped bus. • Stop for a school bus with its red overhead lights flashing, regardless of the direction from which the driver is approaching. Drivers must not proceed until the school bus resumes motion and the red lights stop flashing, or until signaled by the school bus driver to proceed. • Watch for children walking or bicycling (both on the road and the sidewalk) in areas near a school. • Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops. Watch for children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic. • Watch for children walking or biking to school when backing up (out of a driveway or leaving a garage). Source: National Safe Routes to School Program Shady Hills Road near Crews Lake Middle School is a busy thoroughfare with a mix of vehicles and pedestrians. The new signal allows everyone a chance to cross through the intersection safely. AyresAssociates.com │7