It’s back-to-school time, and sidewalks that cross the pickup and dropoff lanes at your local schools are extremely dangerous.
I walk my kids to school whenever I can, not because they’re little, but because we enjoy the exercise. I can’t say how many times I’ve seen parents basically drop their child off right in front of the school doors, then hurry off into traffic, completely unaware of any pedestrians who may be in their way.
This morning, the first day of middle school, a woman nearly ran into me. I watch for cars, of course. But I was already halfway across, and she was just in that big of a hurry.
I saw her coming and stopped so she wouldn’t hit me. And with her stopped right in front of me, I looked at her and asked, “Are you serious?”
I saw no reaction from her. Either she didn’t care, or she still hadn’t noticed me because she was too busy watching for a gap in traffic. And I wondered how long it would be before a kid was hit.
Still, I have to say I was shocked to see an ambulance at the pickup entrance this afternoon. We’re still on day one.
Update: still no confirmation on whether someone was hit/hurt. When this happened at the kids’ old school, the administration emailed everyone right away. So I’m hoping all’s well.
Update 2: there were two accidents by the school yesterday. Neither of them involved kids. WHEW. Nevertheless…
Please teach your kids to be safe. Teach them that drivers can be crazy sometimes and they need to be extra careful. But more importantly: please don’t be that parent. Watch out for other people’s kids, just like you would hope other people would watch out for yours.
Legend of Velda 