School starts in earnest tomorrow in Chautauqua County, and while drivers should be sure to slow down and take their time in all school zones and around stopped school buses, it’s worth noting a major change to the area around Persell Middle School in Jamestown.

After weeks of work, the barricades have been removed from the intersection of Baker Street and Hazeltine Avenue – and those who aren’t paying attention could find themselves hitting either new curbing or another vehicle. The entire purpose of the Baker and Hazeltine intersection redesign is to slow traffic after a rash of school children being hit or nearly hit as they made their way to or from school.

Drivers will now have to slow down to turn onto Hazeltine Avenue. The intersection is narrow enough that it will be difficult to make the turn at 30 miles an hour – especially if there is a car already waiting at the intersection. It’s also worth noting there is now only one entrance into the 7-11 plaza across from the school for those who are accustomed to grabbing a cup of coffee on their way to work.

Carelessness on the part of drivers and some youth led to a costly and time-consuming redesign of Baker Street and Hazeltine Avenue. But we can’t redesign every intersection or road around every school.

The first few days of school always create a bit of a mess with traffic, especially around Jamestown schools that are tucked into neighborhoods. The 20 mile an hour speed limits exist for a reason and should be followed. And parents who are walking their children to school should use crosswalks, particularly those with crossing guards. It helps to make sure children understand the crucial importance of looking both ways before crossing streets and of paying attention to the traffic around them, even in school parking lots.

School is back. Let’s make it a safe year.