Bike and School Zone Safety Reminder for La Grande School District
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, September 19th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – For many students, school means a myriad of academic and social challenges. However, one would not expect that some of the most difficult parts of the day would simply involve navigating the school zone in the mornings and afternoons. According to La Grande School District resource officer Justin Hernandez, pick up and drop off times can get uncomfortably chaotic.
As a reminder, parents and guardians should practice courtesy and patience when driving in or near the school zones and be aware of increased traffic near the beginning and end of the school days. As best described by Hernandez:
“They just need to keep in mind that there’s hundreds of parents that are trying to do the exact same thing, drop their kids off, get them in and out. The best way to make that efficient is to take some extra time in the morning and leave early, because what I don’t like are people flipping U-turns in the middle of the road and causing traffic jams.”
To further help with safety and cohesion, non-parent/guardian motorists are advised to avoid commuting through school zones, especially during pick up and drop off. Sunset drive near the Grande Ronde Hospital may also be avoided due to ongoing construction.
For students that avoid the commute by biking, officer Hernandez would like to remind you to practice common safety, including wearing helmets and looking both ways when at a crosswalk. In addition, however, bike theft is an infrequent but known issue and students are encouraged to use bike locks if possible. As stated by Hernandez:
“If your kid rides a bike, teach them how to use a bike lock and make sure that they do because it makes my job a lot easier. I can only imagine my bike being stolen at that age…that would’ve been the end of my life. So, I don’t like to see kids emotional over losing a bike when it’s like, ‘hey man, you should have locked it up.’ That would’ve solved this problem.”
A full interview with Hernandez, including transcript and recording, can be viewed at SRO Hernandez: Protecting and Mentoring La Grande Students – Elkhorn Media Group
