Sept. 18, 2009
By Dana Calvin, CFAY Safety Office
The first day of school for Department of Defense Dependent Schools students in Yokosuka started Aug. 31. Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka Traffic Safety Division wants to refresh everyone’s memory to help keep our students safe with a few import safety reminders to pass along to your children: • Instruct your children to only move forward to board the school bus after it has come to a complete stop and the driver opens the door. • It is highly recommended that your children wear brightly colored clothing, especially if waiting for the bus before sunrise or getting home after dark. A great idea would be to place removable reflective tape on their outer garments to include hats and coats. • Remind children that when exiting the bus to move as far away from the vehicle as possible and to remain clear of the bus rear wheels so the driver can see they have cleared the bus and are safely away from traffic. • Teach your children to be aware of other traffic in the area. Do not assume that drivers will stop for them or even see them. If children must cross the street, then they should do so only in a designated crosswalk while constantly looking both ways as they cross the street until they are safely on the other side. Remember, in Japan, you should look right first. • Drivers should take extra caution when traveling during peak school hours when students are going to and from school and always obey the posted speed limit signs. Never assume a child will look before they cross the street, even at a cross walk. All pedestrians should use the push button activated crosswalks signals where available.