Safety is focus as Misawa school season nears

  • Published
  • By Capt. Darrick B. Lee
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Misawa officials issued a safety reminder to drivers here Wednesday, anticipating increased pedestrian traffic near schools on the installation, come Monday.

The 35th Fighter Wing Safety Office, responsible for developing policies aimed at mishap reduction, wants drivers to be aware of changes in traffic patterns once school begins. According to data collected from each school's Website, more than 1,500 students attended Misawa schools last year. With similar attendance expected this year, base officials are taking every precaution to keep students safe as they travel to and from school.

"We've got to make sure people are aware of where the school zones are, and their respective speed limits," said Staff Sgt. Kevin Dotson, a ground safety technician with the wing. "It's part of an effort to protect our children."

The speed limits differ for each the base's three schools, Dotson added.

- Edgren High school, located on Independence Drive, rests within a 30-kilometer-per-hour school zone.

- All streets bordering Sollars Elementary School are 25 KPH, with the exception of Friendship Blvd.

- Cummings Elementary School, located in the north area of the base, enforces a 20 KPH speed limit.

More important than knowing the speed vehicles should travel, Dotson wants to make sure drivers know when to stop.

"Motorist should obey crossing guards and be prepared to stop for students walking in crosswalks," he offers. "They should also stop a minimum of 20 feet from school buses that are boarding or off-loading students."

For more information about school zones or traffic concerns at Misawa Air Base, contact the 35 Fighter Wing Safety office.