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Back to school safety

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher A. Marasky
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  As summer comes to a close, the days get shorter, the temperature begins to drop and school starts up again.

With school beginning here Aug. 27, it's important to keep child safety in the minds of all members of Team Osan, with or without children.

For parents with school-age children, it's important to discuss safety issues with them before the start of the school year, said Master Sgt. Craig Williams, 51st Security Forces Squadron.

"Parents need to basically go over the routes and the safety concerns with their children before they head off to school," said Sergeant Williams. "They need to ensure that their children take the route described. They also need to make sure that their children are paying attention to all traffic signs."

To help prepare parents and children for the school year, 51st SFS provided some helpful safety tips:

- Parents should talk to children and establish the best route for their younger children to take to school. 

- Choose the quickest way with the fewest street crossings and use intersections with crossing guards. 

- Remind students that they are to walk the chosen route everyday.
- Always travel with a buddy. 

- Never take short-cuts through construction sites. 

- Respect traffic lights and street signs. 

- Be sure to wear a helmet when riding a bike. 

- Always look both ways before crossing the street, even when using a crosswalk. 

- Wear reflective or bright colored clothing to increase visibility

As school resumes, the safety of the children on Osan isn't just the responsibility of the parents; all members of Team Osan will have to play a part.

"Drivers need to pay attention to speed limits and be aware that school is starting," said Sergeant Williams. "We will be providing additional personnel at the gate to help control traffic, as well as personnel around the schools to monitor traffic. We will be issuing citations to those who don't obey the traffic laws."

Osan has an outstanding safety record, but extra diligence during the school year can't hurt.

"I think the installation is very safe in regards to people being aware that school is going to be back in session," said Sergeant Williams. "People are aware of the speed limits and traffic laws on base, and around the schools." 

For futher information about the upcoming school year, contact the Department of Defense School System at DSN: 784-9098.