a7 WASATCH COUNTY COURIER T fl ea se SES oR eer Many of the students actually choose to utilize the crosswalk provid the stoplight located at 600 South and Main. ACCIDENT continued from page 3 and their locations. Mr. Bassett was unavailable for comment as to why the state has yet to install a sufficient number of crosswalks to fulfill the needs of Main Street, Heber. Ideally, a catwalk ‘needs to High be constructed School and between Middle the School, stretching from the East to West side of Main Street. This would keep the kids off the street entirely. When the lunch bell rings at either of thesé two schools, hoards of kids head across the street to visit one of the many restaurants located across the street. Within a three-four block distance, there are over eight exits and entrances for the various food and gas stops lining the West side of Main Street. Max Davis, owner of Davis Supply, and the two houses between Wendy’s and Day’s Pu ee Market, says living in that area was like living along side the Santa Ana Freeway. “T’ve had to sit and wait for as many as ed at 40 cars to pass before I was able to turn left into my own driveway,” says Davis. In all his years spent living on Heber’s Main Street, Mr. Davis is amazed at the number of people he’s seen either get hit, or almost get hit trying to cross the busy highway. According to the Heber City Police Department, there have been 1,658 traffic violations in Heber since January 1 of this year, 1,357 of those resulting in citations. Their report also states that there have been 213 accidents involving property damage only, and19 accidents involving personal injury. ~The question remains as to what should be done to alleviate the safety concerns plaguing the portion of Highway 40 that runs straight through the heart of the Heber Valley. The solutions offered are numerous, but until government offi- cials, members of the community and anyone else with any level of involvement come to an agreement and take some action, innocent people will continue to pay the price. ¥ ea School Pedestrian Safety Utah Sheriff’s Association Encourages Parents | MAE to Educate Their Children During this time of year, children. across the country are heading back. to school. It’s a very exciting time for them as they reunite with friends and learn new things. But for parents, this can be a stressful time, particularly in It’s impossible to shelter children from the many dangers they may encounter light of the recent tragedies ty education. in places & Hl! ql like Colorado and Arkansas. In addition to ensuring a child’s well being at ° Map out a safe walking route for children to follow to and from school. ihe HW HC. According to Sheriff Mike Spanos, there are a number. of safety precautions parents can teach their children to help ensure their safety during the school year. Although over 20 million students ride buses to and from school, there are also millions that walk. The most recent statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that over 25,000 school age pedestrians are injured by motor vehicles every year. Of these, more than 600 are killed. | “It is vital for parents to teach their children proper procedures when. walking for a free, fun, family oriented - a Halloween Tradition! tions on how parents can better protect their children through pedestrian safe- school, parents must also be concerned with getting youngsters safely to and from school. See you next year while growing up. However, the Utah Sheriffs’ Association has some sugges- to and from school,” said Sheriff Mike Spanos. “One of the most common causes of pedestrian-related injury or death is a child’s unexpected entry into traffic. If parents teach their children at. an early age the proper measures to take when walking, they will be much more inclined to be responsible pedestrians when they are not accompanied by an adult.” e Teach children to look left-right-left before crossing the street. © Walk facing traffic. This will enable drivers to see pedestrians more clearly. e Dress children in colorful clothing. e Always stay on the sidewalk and use the crosswalk. e If possible, walk with a friend. e Before crossing the street, teach chil-dren to make eye contact with the driver. This will insure the pedestrian that the driver presence. © Outfit children is aware with of their proper shoes and clothing for walking. e Do not allow children to listen to. portable radios or CD players. This could prevent. them from hearing a potentially dangerous situation. e Adults.should set a good example for children by safety rules. Z following pedestrian