The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1931-09-24
School Children's
Safety Stressed
Motorists, Parents and Teachers
Urged to Cooperate to Prevent
: Accidents


Minnesota opening, or already open
State Highway bulletin makes a
timely plea for cooperation, on the
part of motorists, parents, teachers
and others, in preventing accidents
to school children.
Motorists are urged to drive eau
tiously, not only near schools but
at all other places where children
may be playing or walking. The
traffic act makes definite provis-
ion for slowing down when driv-
ing past schools during the hours
when children are going or coming
to school, and during recess. But
motorists should go farther, and at
all times be on the alert for young
sters and others who may be cross
ing or walking along the highway.
Parents and teachers are urged
to give frequent safety talks, warn
ing children of the dangers in the
streets and highways, and teaching
them how to avoid accidents. Chill
dren who must walk along the high
ways should walk on the left side,
facing traffic. They should walk in
groups, preferably in single or
double file, and should not be scat
tered all over the road. Groups
walking on both sides of the road
are especially endangered.
One of the greatest dangers to
children lies in games which may
cause them to run suddenly into
the street or highway. A place for
play should be provided at a safe
distance from the road, or fence
erected to prevent their running
thoughtlessly into the line of traf-
fic. If this cannot be done, games
which involve the danger Of run
ming into the road should be avoid
ed. The danger may be just as
great If the road carries light traf-
fic, as the children are less alert
for passing vehicles. aga
Children should also be taught
that it is dangerous:
To ride in, or jump upon any
vehicle without the consent of the
driver.
To stand in the roadway begging
for rides, or accept rides from
strangers.
To hitch bicycles, coaster wag-
ons, toboggans or similar vehicles
to any motor vehicle.
Motorists are urged to use eau
ton when meeting or passing
school buses, both when the buses
are travelling and when they are
picking up or discharging children.
Bus drivers are urged to use eau
ton at all turns and intersections
and when passing or meeting other
vehicles. Attention is called to the
law requiring drivers Of buses to
stop at all railroad crossings.
Organizing school patrols at all
schools is recommended. The stu
dent patrols are not merely to guide
children across streets and high
ways, but they can promote safety
in a multitude of other ways, by
setting good example and dis
couraging practices which lead to
accidents. A booklet giving infor-
nation on forming and conducting
school patrols may be obtained
from the State Highway depart
ment. ..
The State, Highway patrol wiz
assist in forming patrols and solv-
ing traffic problems wherever posi-
sible.. but its authority is limited to
places on the trunk highways, The
American Legion has volunteered
to make school safety one Of its
major activities and it will take the
initiative in forming patrols where
none exist and will aid and en-
courage them where they are al
ready functioning.