Safety a concern as youth head back to school

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  As the final days of back to school shopping wrap up parent's thoughts of savings shift to concerns over their children's safety, something that has already been on the minds of personnel in the 4th Security Forces and Civil Engineer Squadrons.

To help keep members of the Seymour Johnson community safe as children transition back to their normal school year routines defenders from the 4th Security Force Squadron are increasing their presence in military family housing to provide community policing.

"We will ensure that speed limits are enforced and the children transiting to and from school are provided with a safe environment to do so," said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Fisher, 4th SFS NCO in charge of physical security.

Drivers who are caught violating the rules of the road on base should not expect a free pass on their behavior from security force personnel.

"Traffic enforcement for speeding in MFH is very stringent," Sergeant Fisher said.

Those caught going five to nine mph more than the posted speed limit will receive a seven-day suspension of base driving privileges, going 10-14 mph more than the posted speed limit is a 30-suspension and traveling at 15 or more mph above the posted limit a 180 day suspension.

"These standards are enforced on the first offense," Sergeant Fisher said. "Four points will be added to you base driving record for passing a school bus or not adhering to any posted school signs or signals. Earning 12 points in one year or 18 points in two years will result in the revocation of your base driving privileges for a year."

Safety is also a concern as construction continues in MFH.

"Demolition sites as well as new construction sites will always have uneven excavations, sharp objects and temporary structural members," said Bob Hankins, 4th CES chief of construction management. "Even though they are 'safe' sites for experienced construction crews, they are certainly not safe for unprotected, unrestrained children of any age."

The construction of new homes is an ongoing process, so for the next two years children will have to travel close to these sites on a daily basis to reach the on-base school gate.

"The primary advice we have for the parents and children is to stay on the sidewalks wherever possible and never cross a fence line or tape line to take a short cut," Mr. Hankins said. If parents intend to allow their child to walk or ride a bicycle to school through the on-base gate it is recommended that they go with them the first few times to select the best and safest route for their child to traverse. Regardless of the maturity of the child, parents should not assume that the child will make the wisest choice for the safest route.

Children caught trespassing in construction and demolition areas may face disciplinary actions which will vary based on the severity of the infraction.

"Goldsboro Police Department will be contacted and the child could be charged with trespassing," Sergeant Fisher said. "Parents need to teach (their children) the importance of safety in the construction and demolition areas. There is a potential for hot electrical lines and asbestos in the old housing demolition areas."

Construction and demolition areas in MFH are fenced in when it is practical but not all areas can be completely barricaded by fences.

"Obviously, our primary concern with school starting is the safety of our children," Mr. Hankins said. "With demolition and construction underway in many areas of housing, it is easy for a child to be enticed to go where they should not. Parents need to inform their children that any type of fencing or barricade, even the orange plastic fencing, traffic cones or yellow tape, are put there for their protection and should never be crossed. Also, while the demolition is prevalent on base, it would be wise for parents to maintain an 'eyes on' approach to their children and not allow them to play or travel in areas where they cannot be properly monitored."

In addition to the construction and demolition being performed on houses, there is also work being done on the roads in the MFH area. There will be a new traffic control plan on Vadenburg St. due to the construction and demolition in the area near the school gate. This street will only be open to one way traffic only during the school gate hours. Drivers must enter Vandenburg St. via Bolling Dr. The right lane will be used for drop-off parking and the left lane will be used for through traffic. The speed limit in front of the school gate is 10 mph.

"This traffic flow will continue until the road construction in the area of the school drop off is complete in the October 2010 time frame," Mr. Hankins said. "At that time, a revised traffic flow pattern will be implemented."