Drivers: exercise caution -- it’s back-to-school time Published July 16, 2009 By 15th Mission Support Group and Hickam Elementary HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- With students heading back to school next week, Hickam Air Force Base is reminding drivers to use extreme caution as many students will be walking or riding their bikes to and from school. Drivers can expect large numbers of students going to school beginning just before 7:00 a.m. and running through 8:00 a.m. After-school traffic will wind down after 3:30 p.m. "I can't emphasize enough the importance of drivers to be on the lookout for children as they are walking or riding their bikes to school. There is always an adjustment period when classes resume." said Darren Dean, 15th Mission Support Group school liaison. Drivers should also be aware that some bus routes and bus stops have changed since last year. There are many students who are new to Hickam AFB and are not familiar with the traffic patterns. The best advice I can give is for drivers to slow down and give themselves more time to get to their destination. The extra time is certainly worth avoiding accidents." said Mr. Dean Parents and their students should map out the safest route to school together, including any alternate routes. Parents should discuss proper safety practices with their children including how to use crosswalks and proper bicycle safety. Parents are encouraged to have children wear bright clothing to increase visibility for drivers. Children should not walk to school wearing headphone or playing portable video games because this makes it difficult for them to hear the traffic around them.