It is incredible to watch the speeds at which motorists travel through residential neighborhoods. Forget the risk of speeding tickets, how about the danger being posed to pedestrians?

In very many neighborhoods, people are walking and children are playing along or near the streets. A speeding motorist has little hope of reacting in time to avoid a tragedy should either the driver or pedestrian make a wrong move.

Already in 2007, Orangeburg County has recorded six pedestrian deaths, among the most of any county in the state and just two shy of the total for all of 2006.

With school back in session, the danger grows. More children are walking and there is more traffic in residential neighborhoods where many schools are located.

The S.C. Department of Public Safety is encouraging the motoring public to be aware of the increased risk of pedestrian accidents.

To heighten awareness, SCDPS' Office of Highway Safety is promoting School Zone Safety Week to help remind the public that students will again start sharing the roads with motorists grown accustomed to school zones that have been inactive during the summer. School Zone Safety Week events are being held during the first full week of school in each district or county.

James K. Schweitzer, director of SCDPS, said traffic safety strategies near schools are a vital part of the agency's highway safety outreach efforts.

"The safety of children walking, biking or traveling in motor vehicles is of the utmost importance," Schweitzer said. "We think every week during the school year is 'School Zone Safety Week' and urge motorists to drive accordingly."

Local law enforcement agencies are being urged to increase vigilance over school zones. The Highway Patrol also will be involved in various activities in the coming weeks:

School pick-up lines: Troopers and Families of Highway Fatalities volunteers will distribute safety information at designated schools to parents and guardians as they are waiting in line to pick up their children in the afternoons.

PTA meetings: Troopers will attend PTA/PTO meetings to talk to parents about bicycle and pedestrian safety concerns and educate about booster seat use.

School presentations: Troopers will visit elementary and middle schools to conduct formal safety presentations.

Schools, students and parents statewide can engage in a variety of School Zone Safety activities, including holding safety presentations and creating bulletin board displays.

Going to school is all about education. In the case of those who drive at irresponsible and illegal speeds in school zones and neighborhoods, we can only hope they are caught and taught a lesson of another type before being part of a tragedy.

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