Back-to-school time means pencils, books and planning ahead to avoid peak hours at school zones. The zones slow traffic to keep school children safe during the start and end times of school, which began yesterday.
In the city of Winnemucca, school zone times are 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and are Monday through Friday. The school zones are typically within a half mile radius of the school, and are marked with signs alerting drivers to the slower 15 mph speed.
During the school year, the city and the school district receive complaints about the added traffic and wait times. Bryon Krell, operations and facilities director for the Humboldt County School District said he understood the frustrations of drivers who may get caught in traffic but the school zones protect the safety of every child in the school district.
Krell said an accident five years ago illustrates the need for school zones. A driver speeding through a school zone ran over and severly injured a school crossing guard in West Bend, Wis. The crossing guard pushed a child out of the way of the oncoming vehicle, but was hit herself. The crossing guard was Krell's own mother, who was 69 years-old at the time of the accident. The story has a happy ending - the child went on to graduate as valedictorian and Krell's mother made a full recovery - however, the lesson is not lost on Krell.
"It's all for the kids," said Krell. "It's about their safety."
People rushing off to work might consider a different route to avoid the traffic at the school zones. For example, Krell said Great Basin Drive is great alternative route to Highland Drive. Allowing extra time for the school zone traffic is another option.
In addition to the school zones, every school except Lowry High School has crossing guards.
Drivers should keep in mind that after-school extra-curricular activities, like football practice, have kids out later than the school zone times.
Contact Stephanie Morton at s.morton@winnemuccapublishing.net
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