Back to school time raises safety concerns Published Aug. 27, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Kirsten Wicker 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- It's that time of year again when the weather cools down, the days get shorter and the leaves start to fall from trees. It's time to break out the text books, pencils, notebooks and thinking caps and head back to the classroom. As children head back, base officials want everyone to remember safety is a key factor during the back to school rush. According to Carter Lake officials, there will be a lot of children walking from base housing areas and crossing the street to the school. Parents are encouraged not to use the Lincoln Boulevard parking lot to drop off their children due to congestion from walkers and drivers in that area before and after school hours. The parking lot is reserved for staff; it is safer to use the drive-up off of Lincoln in front of the school and be mindful of children walking across the streets and parking lots. Walkers are encouraged to use the new crosswalk located on Walnut Street. The speed limit in front of Carter Lake is 20 miles per hour and there is a flashing yellow sign warning drivers between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. "Slow down and be mindful of children walking and crossing the street to school, being dropped off or picked up," said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Olearnek, 62nd Security Forces Squadron. "It's going to get busy in and around Carter Lake Elementary school area in base housing as school starts and we'll be keeping an eye to make sure drivers are obeying the speed limit." The speed limit will be strictly enforced and violators will be ticketed, he said. There are 390 military family members enrolled at Carter Lake; school begins Sept. 3.