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Show Extra driving safety needed to avoid any summer tragedy School's out, and kids are happily playing, throwing balls, skipping rope, swimming and running sometimes into streets. So once again, it is time that everyone be a little more careful on the streets of Iron County. Already this summer there have been at least two accidents involving kids and automobiles. Luckily, they were not extremely serious, luckily. A child's life and healthy body are simply too valuable to not spend the extra bit of time and effort it takes to protect them on our neighborhood streets. First, drivers should do everything just a bit slower. As they get ready to back from their driveways, they should look behind their vehicles. Make sure tha t a little tot is not sitting back there on his bike. Also, especially in residential neighborhoods, drivers should go just a bit slower. A minute or two isn't going to make that much difference to your arrival. However, it may make a difference to a child who suddenly darts into the street for any one of a number of reasons. Finally, drivers should be just a little bit more aware of what is happening around them. Are there kids playing on the sidewalk down the street? Are there cars parked along the edge that children could easily be playing behind? It takes a little conscious effort, but certainly it is well worth it to all of us. And then there is the other side of the coin. Have we all taught our children the rules of safety on the streets in the neighborhood? As parents, we certainly think the training is possible and well worth it, and we know, as do all parents, that constant reinforcement is going to be necessary. But our kids are worth it. So parents we would urge you to teach your children how to cross the street and how to watch for traffic. We would urge you, whenever possible, to reinforce those ideas by pointing out mistakes and good points. Certainly, all this is worth the effort. Tragedy can be avoided and everyone can have an enjoyable and safe summer. |