EDITOR,

I am a crossing guard at Lincoln Boulevard and Beverly Place and I am saddened by the news of the preventable accident in front of West High School on Jan. 27. However, I see students speeding and talking on their cell phones every day.

Their music is so loud that they can’t even hear me when I blow my whistle to get them to stop for my handheld stop sign. Most of the drivers go right through, paying me no attention. Speeding is very bad on Lincoln by both adults and students. I have had the assistance of Tracy police officer Chuck Sullivan to help stop this madness. He has been a great deterrent and has helped save my life.

I cannot tell you how many times inattentive students have almost hit me with their cars. Just last week, an impatient driver sideswiped me before I could get back across the street. His car kept on going at a high rate of speed.

Then there are those who intentionally run my stop sign and wave at me as they pass by!

Why, then, would I not get another job Because I care for the children, and I fear for them as well.

It would be wise to have someone address the high school students about the hazards and the consequences of not obeying the rules of the road.

Please, write more about the traffic problem the Tracy schools have. It could save a life, and these children do read the paper.

Juice Rainwater, Tracy