ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BOB WOELK
They can dart out from between cars in a split second. They can step out into the street at the most unexpected times. And, if motorists are not diligent in watching for them, our young students can end up on the losing end of an encounter with an automobile.
It’s that time of year again when schools open their doors, and driving near attendance centers becomes more intense, especially from 8 to 8:30 a.m. and 3:15 to 4 p.m. Kids are everywhere, and their minds are not necessarily focused on safety. We drivers must be especially cautious, assuming children are going to make the worst possible choices.
And, let’s be honest here. Hillsboro drivers can use a reminder or two about safety. We are not known for our exemplary automotive skills. An impromptu survey this summer counted 15 straight cars that failed to come to a complete stop when turning right at a stop sign. Anyone who has driven downtown is familiar with the game of dodging the back ends of cars that suddenly reverse out of parking slots. Sometimes the errant driver sees the approaching car; sometimes he or she doesn’t even notice the near collision.
Then there’s the problem of drivers who seem to think the end of the school day signals the start of the Daytona 500. When they mix in traffic with some of our senior citizens who drive with one foot on the brake at all times, we have potential for some post-fair demolition derby action where the only winners are the autobody repair shops.
