BY SARAH STEPHENS, OWNER/EDITOR
Part of the information below was sent to the Elmore/Autauga News from an area educator, and we think it has a lot of good points. This season, we are all in a rush. There is so much to do and prepare for, and patience may be a little tight. But, please remember, it only takes one second of not paying attention, or making a bad decision to cause a horrible tragedy.
From an Area Educator: As the Christmas excitement lingers, children are excited, teachers need a break, and all the fun Christmas parties at school—remember to slow down for buses! The children getting off want to get home safely as everyone does! Here are a few pointers:
1. If a bus has their flashing lights on, they are slowing down to stop—you should too.
2. Stop 100-150 feet away from the bus stop (cars)
3. The stop sign means stop! The students are getting off excited from the day and sometimes forget cars are around—please be aware!!!
4. Do not “roll” or “inch” closer because you think the students are on the bus.
5. Do not go until you see the bus moving and the stop sign is put up.
6. No need to pass a bus, we are all on our way somewhere!
7. Leave a little earlier if you need to.
8. Have a merry Christmas and thank a teacher, bus driver, administrator, and any staff that work with children daily!
All of the above are simple pointers that all of us can follow!
We will add to this as well. Travel is predicted to be at record highs this year. Hundreds and thousands of people are loading up their cars, and to grandmother’s house they will be going! (Or a myriad of locations.)
The point is, entire families will be on the road this year trying to capture the Christmas spirit, catch up with family and friends. Don’t let a bad decision ruin their dreams, or yours.
If you are attending parties and partaking of alcohol (or any other mind-altering substance) give up your keys. Sleep on a couch. Call a sober friend. Call a taxi or Uber. Just please don’t get on the roads and drive under the influence. At best, you are asking for a ticket or a DUI charge. At worst, well, we think you know that ending.
Put your phone down while traveling. Don’t accept calls, make calls, or text. If it is that important, pull off of the roadway to make that call or answer that text. It just isn’t worth it.
There will be traffic fatalities in Alabama this holiday. It would be a true Christmas miracle if we are wrong on this. Don’t let it be you, your family, or because of your bad decision.
SHOP IN GROUPS
If you are headed out in the coming days to finish up your Christmas list, use some common sense thinking. Try and shop with a friend or family member. Make sure family and friends know where you are going, and when you will be home.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. This includes the time you leave your car and head to a store, while in the store, while checking out, and heading back to your car.
Don’t leave packages in your back seat if you have another stop. Place them in your trunk away from prying eyes.
Keep your keys handy in parking lots. If you see anything that doesn’t look right, hit the alarm on your car. If someone is up to no good, the last thing they want is attention. If you feel you are being followed or watched, call law enforcement first, or contact a manager/employee at the store.
Never leave your purse or wallet unattended in a shopping cart. Keep it close at all times. There are so many videos out there showing shoppers who are distracted for a moment, and someone is waiting to reach into their purse and grab whatever they can.
All area law enforcement in our counties are stepping up patrols for the holiday season and making regular visits to heavily populated shopping centers. But they cannot be everywhere all the time. Please take your own security measures this season, and just play it safe.
