BACK-TO-SCHOOL 5a
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013 PERHAM FOCUS
Safe & Sound A back to school special supplement to the Perham Focus
School bus safety tips for kids and motorists Marie Nitke editor@perhamfocus.com
Have you ever wondered why school buses don’t have seat belts? According to information from the Minnesota State Patrol, it’s because they aren’t needed to keep kids safe. School buses are larger and heavier than most other kinds of vehicles, and the mass and weight of the bus is designed to withstand the force of a crash. School buses are also far less likely to roll over in an accident. Also, in accordance with federal regulation, school buses compartmentalize, meaning they’re designed to protect children without the need to buckle up. This is done through strong, closelyspaced seats, energy absorbing foam seat backs, and a 24inch seat height. “Visualize this by thinking how an egg carton protects the eggs,” wrote State Patrol Sgt. Jesse Grabow in an email to the Focus. In addition, the chassis of the school bus is designed to separate from the body of the bus in a crash; this slows down and spreads the crash forces over the entire body of the bus. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says school buses are the safest mode of transportation for children – kids are eight times safer riding in a bus to school than any other kind of vehicle. That’s good news for the hundreds of thousands of children who ride school buses in Minnesota, where at least 10,000 school bus trips are taken daily. That said, there’s still such a thing as a “danger zone,” Grabow warns, and that’s the area around the outside of a bus. More children are hurt or killed in this school bus “danger zone” than they are as bus occupants, he said. Whether due to a distracted passerby or a child standing in a bus dri-
ver’s blind spot, accidents unfortunately do happen sometimes. To keep kids as safe as possible, parents of children who ride the bus should discuss safety with them before school starts, and revisit the topic periodically throughout the school year. Grabow suggests the following to children: -When getting off a bus, look to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder (side of the road). -Before crossing the street, take five “giant steps” out from the front of the bus, or until the driver’s face can be seen. -Wait for the driver to signal that it’s safe to cross. -Look left-right-left when coming to the edge of the bus to make sure traffic is stopped. Keep watching traffic while crossing. Motorists, meanwhile, have responsibilities of their own. When a school bus is flashing its red lights or when its stop arm is extended, drivers coming toward the bus or coming up behind it must stop at least 20 feet away, according to the State Patrol. Red flashing lights on buses indicates that kids are either entering or exiting the bus. Even on divided highways and other separated roadways, where motorists are not required to stop for school buses, drivers should always remain alert for children. As another way to improve safety, Grabow suggests that motorists alter their routes or schedules, if possible, to avoid school buses. Motorists should also watch for school crossing patrols and pedestrians, and reduce their speeds in and around school zones. State law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians at all street corners and at both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Essentially, “every corner is a crosswalk,” according to Grabow.
FOCUS file photo
School buses are the safest way for kids to travel to school – they’re eight times safer than any other kind of vehicle. Still, accidents can and do happen. Parents can help keep their kids safe by teaching them some basic rules of school bus safety.
Other bus safety tips for kids and parents include: -Walk to the bus stop, don’t run. -Use caution when crossing roadways. -Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. If no sidewalk is present, walk in the opposite direction of traffic to be aware of oncoming traffic. -Don’t fool around at the bus stop. Accidents can happen when kids are unaware of their surroundings or distracted. -Stand at the bus stop in a safe location. Do not enter the street. -Arrive at the bus stop early so there is no need to rush and be distracted. -Wait for the school bus to come to a complete stop and for other traffic to halt before approaching the bus. -Promptly take a seat, and remain seated throughout the entire ride.
-Do not distract the bus driver with loud yelling, music, etc. -Don’t throw anything around the bus. -Keep the aisle clear to avoid tripping hazards. -Follow the driver’s instructions in the event of an emergency. -Remain seated until the bus has stopped at a particular drop-off location. -If something is forgotten on the bus, don’t try to run back and retrieve it. The driver may not expect a student to be returning to the bus.
FOCUS file photo
By simply being aware of their surroundings and taking their time while getting onto the bus, kids can ensure a safer school bus experience.
Going back to school: Are you excited for school to start and why? Photos by Kiowa Wieser-Matthews/FOCUS
Here is what some area Perham students had to say about returning to school this fall.
Alison Moenkedick “Yes, to see my friends and for Reading class.”
Mara Moltzan “A tad… because I can see my friends, but it can get boring.”
Julia Johnson “Sort of, cause I get to see my friends, but I don’t like Reading.”
Alex Forrett “Yeah, for playing sports and seeing friends.”
Quentin Schumacher “Yeah, I like to have fun at school.”
Mason Hovde “Yeah, for Math and to hang out with friends.”
Anna Stoll “Yes, because I’m bored.”
6a BACK-TO-SCHOOL
PERHAM FOCUS THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013
Going back to school: Are you excited for school to start and why? Photos by Kiowa Wieser-Matthews/FOCUS
Josh Wegscheid “Yeah, to go to college.”
Alexis Heaton “Yes, so I can make lots of new friends.”
Deserae Koljnon “Yeah, Math.”
Seth Urbach “Yes, cause I’m bored.”
Kaitlyn Sautter “Yeah, because it’s really cool!”
Lily Wegscheid “Yes, to get away from my brother.”
Courtney Ternus “Yes, so I can see all my friends.”
Alexis Hartman “Yes, to see all my friends.”
When on the road, get off the phone Distracted driving the top cause of teen crashes Marie Nitke editor@perhamfocus.com
Distracted driving is a major problem among teens. In Minnesota, driver distraction is the number one cause of accidents in which a teenager is driving. This is especially troubling when considering that traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for Minnesota teens. Every year, more than 30 teens ages 16-19 are killed on Minnesota roads, according to State Patrol Sgt. Jesse Grabow. Among all accidents reported in the state (not just fatal accidents), driver distraction was listed as the cause 23 percent of the time. Next on that list was failure to yield the right-of-way, at 14 percent, and then illegal or unsafe speed, at 11 percent. Grabow says teens are at greatest risk on the road due to distracted driving, such as texting and driving, as well as a number of other factors – inexperience, risk-taking behind the wheel, and speeding being some primary ones. Teens also have the lowest seat belt use rate of all age groups. Among teens and adults, distracted driving is a factor in one out of every four crashes, resulting in 70 deaths
and 350 serious injuries in Minnesota. Grabow said these numbers are likely much higher, as distraction is vastly underreported as a crash factor. While smart phone use is a commonly talked about form of driver distraction, any type of activity that takes a driver’s eye off the road or attention off of driving is considered a distraction, such as fiddling with radio knobs or eating. Many motorists think of driving as a routine activity, Grabow says, but attentive driving is critical, as the traffic environment changes constantly and drivers must be prepared to react. “Traffic safety is everyone’s business,” he wrote in an email to the Focus. “Whether you are driving or riding in a motor vehicle, walking, running, riding a bicycle, or simply care about someone doing one of these things, you have an investment. So we can never lose sight of the huge responsibility that driving is each and every time we get in that vehicle.” “Make this the safest backto-school year,” he added, “and keep it that way all the time.” To avoid the dangers of distracted driving, the State
Minnesota’s ‘No Texting while Driving’ law
FOCUS file photo
Remembering to make calls before getting behind the wheel is one simple way to stay safer on the road.
Patrol suggests: Cell phones – turn them off or place them out of reach to avoid the urge to dial or answer. If a passenger is present, ask them to handle calls/texts. Cell phone use is totally banned for school bus drivers, as well as for teen drivers during their permit and provisional license stages. When making a call, ask the person if he or she is driving; if so, have them call back at a safer time. Music and other controls – pre-program favorite radio stations for easy access and arrange music (mp3 player/CDs) in an easy-toaccess spot. Adjust mirrors and heat or air conditioning before traveling, or ask a passenger to assist. Navigation – designate a passenger to serve as a copilot to help with directions. If driving alone, map out or GPS destinations in advance, and pull over if route adjustments need to be made. Eating and drinking – try to avoid having food and beverages at the wheel, at least messy foods, and be sure food and drinks are secured. Children – teach children FOCUS file photo the importance of good beDistractions, such as texting while driving, are the leading havior in a vehicle; do not underestimate how distracting it cause of accidents in which teens are driving.
can be to tend to children while driving. Passengers – speak up to stop drivers from distracted driving behavior. Grabow says, “Life is busy and there is a lot thrown at us, but if everyone can remember
these four simple things, chances are you will keep yourself and everyone else safe: 1. Pay attention; 2. Slow down; 3. Buckle up; 4. Never drink and drive.”
It is illegal for drivers to read, compose, or send text messages and emails, or access the Internet using a wireless device, while their vehicle is in motion or is a part of traffic – including when stopped in traffic or at a traffic light.
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BACK-TO-SCHOOL 7a
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013 PERHAM FOCUS
Going back to school: Are you excited for school to start and why? Photos by Kiowa Wieser-Matthews/FOCUS
Allison Flatau “Yes, to get away from my sister.”
Cassidy Anderson “Yes, to see all my friends.”
Natallie Tusow “Yes, cause I get to do homework, and bubble parties.”
Ava Johnson “Yes, to get away from my sister.”
Brittney Hofman “Yes, to get away from my sister.”
Coby Schossow “No, cause I hate school.”
Perham schools get ready for a new year
to meet teachers and staff. “We welcome all families to come in and meet their teacher,” said Heart of the Lakes Elementary School Principal Jennifer Hendrickson. Prairie Wind Middle School will be holding a separate orientation that same day, at 3 p.m., one hour prior
to the district-wide event. This session is specially designed to orient students who are new to the middle school and, in some cases, to Perham’s public schools in general. “We get a lot of kids from the parochial schools who finish in sixth (grade),” and then move into the public school
system for the first time, said Principal Scott Bjerke. At the middle school session, new students “kind of get the place to themselves to wander around, and I say a few words,” he added. Every teacher and administrator interviewed expressed their excitement about the upcoming school year. “Probably the biggest thing that teachers look forward to most is seeing the kids and making a positive impact,” Bjerke said. “It’s just nice to get back into a routine and be able to teach these kids a lot of new information and incorporate technology into our lessons and be able to talk about religion on a daily basis,” said Jason Smith, the Principal at St. Henry’s Catholic School. “We’re just excited that the upcoming year is almost here and it’s going to be a good year,” he said.
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The first day of the new school year will be Tuesday, Sept. 3 in Perham. In anticipation, Perham’s public schools – Heart of the Lakes Elementary, Prairie Wind Middle and the high school – along with the parochial schools – St. Henry’s Catholic and St. Paul’s Lutheran – will be hosting open houses and orientations. The events will serve to welcome students, both new and returning, giving them a chance to check out their classrooms and the rest of the buildings before the new academic year begins. Schools in both Perham and New York Mills will be holding district-wide open houses starting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28, opening their doors to students and parents, giving them a chance
Mason Happel “Yes, so I can get away from my brother.”
St. Paul’s
District-wide open house will be held next Wednesday Joe Bowen jbowen@perhamfocus.com
Andrew Eade “No, the school bus takes too long.”
500 6th Ave SW • Perham 218-346-2300
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8a BACK-TO-SCHOOL
PERHAM FOCUS THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013
Going back to school: Are you excited for school to start and why? Photos by Kiowa Wieser-Matthews/FOCUS
Colter Weaver “Yes, cause I like homework.”
Cole Reuter “Yeah, to get away from two sisters.”
Lily Boehlan “Yes, I get to see friends and learn new stuff.”
Briannah Hofman “Yeah, cause I want to meet new friends.”
Everyone is invited to tour the school, meet the teachers, bring in supplies, and discover the rich tradition that St. Henry’s Area School can offer for your children.
perhamhealth.org
Denise Kane
953957
ST. HENRY’S AREA SCHOOL “Back to School” night Wednesday, August 29th from 5-7PM.
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Kate Lachowitzer “Sort of looking forward to school so I can see my friends again.”
Isabella Wimmer “Yeah, probably cause of new friends.”
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Mike Stoll “No, I don’t wanna do homework.”
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Dental Check-up Please call 346-4775 to schedule your child’s appointment today! Providing Dental Health Services to Perham and East Otter Tail County since 1974. Dr. Brooke Hamann, DDS
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