As school vacation begins, drivers in our town are reminded to exercise heightened vigilance. The streets will be filled with children over the coming months, and all motorists must adapt their driving habits accordingly. While the shift in traffic patterns may ease conditions for early commuters, those traveling during daytime and early evening hours face new challenges. The narrow, busy streets of Winthrop do not provide adequate space for safe coexistence between vehicles and children at play.
Defensive driving is essential during this period, and that means reducing speed. Children riding bicycles, retrieving balls, or engaged in games require streets where drivers proceed at reduced velocities to prevent tragedy. No one reading this would want to live with the consequences of striking a child at higher speeds—traveling at 30 or 35 miles per hour when 20 or 25 would suffice to save mere minutes could result in serious injury or death. The choice is clear: slow down and remain alert for children in our streets.