TO THE EDITOR:
I think someone needs to remind those people in town with the little plastic “slow down for children” signs that putting one out is not a replacement for teaching your kids to be safe around streets.
I have been seeing more of these around town, and they’re starting to upset me. First, I do not think they should EVER be placed in the middle of the road interfering with traffic. Maybe put them near the sidewalk a few feet away from your house, and sure, most motorists will be grateful for the warning and happy to slow down a little bit.
BUT… those signs don’t give your kids free rein to be out in the middle of the road! Most of the time when I see one of these signs, sure enough, the kids are riding bikes back and forth or round and round in the street, and they take their sweet time getting out of the way so cars can get by – like if their parents told them “Do whatever you want, we have a sign.”
Parents, your kids need to be taught how to ride bikes safely! Down the side of the road like everyone else, mostly, but if they want to go back and forth when no cars are coming, at least tell them that they have to be VERY vigilant and if they see a car, move quickly!
Remember that people are not REQUIRED to slow down because of your sign. Most will but for those who won’t, your kids are in danger because they just expect the cars to go around them. Be responsible! Signs are not force fields.
Marsha Longoria
