As many of you are aware the upgraded playground in Harper Park is now officially open and has received a lot of attention. Much of the attention is from students who attend Grisham M. S. and are stopping by the park after school. It has come to my attention that some drivers are not stopping to allow children, as well as adults, to cross at the marked pedestrian crosswalks at Deerbrook and School House Lane. With that being said, let me address all the marked crosswalks. We are fortunate to have 4 schools in Anderson Mill which allows our children to walk to school instead of being bussed. Twice a day there are hundreds of children using marked crosswalks but only a few close to elementary schools have crossing guards.

During my 34 years in emergency services first response I have responded to many auto-pedestrian incidents, all of which could have been prevented. You don’t want to be the cause of an accident that takes a life, particularly the life of an innocent child.

SHARE THE ROAD SAFELY

• Expect the unexpected. Children may cross the street at the wrong place, or unexpectedly run or ride in front of you.

• Know what is around you. It's easier to anticipate that children (or parents) will do that which is unexpected if you're aware that they are there.

• Be courteous. Parents who are running late may need to get back into traffic after dropping their child off. Give them a break.

• Obey all laws. Don't travel faster than 20 miles per hour, and travel even slower if there are a number of children along the road or crossing the street. Come to a full stop at intersections.

• Be predictable. Don't make sudden maneuvers that others, particularly children on foot or on a bicycle, aren't expecting.

• Don't be distracted. Put down the coffee, put down the cell phone, remember Austin is now hands free so put both hands on the wheel. Avoid distractions within your vehicle, including loud music. Ensure your children are secured in a correctly installed child restraint system.

• Yield the right of way to pedestrians. It isn't just courteous, it's Texas law.

Be patient!

Community does matter, let’s keep it safe!

John Kiracofe, President
Anderson Mill Limited District