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Page 3 Sept. 24, 1976 Traffic Conditions near Oakwood & Silver Lane A person driving east on Silver Lane has a clear view of the School Crossing at Silver Oaks School. This crossing is marked with white lines on the pavement and "School Crossing" signs exist on each side of this crossing. These signs are not the standard signs for such a crossing but the standard ones will be erected when we receive our shipment of signs in October. 5. Discussion From the radar check conducted by the Police Department, it is apparent that some vehicles are exceeding the speed limit. This may be due in part to the grades of the streets and also to the tendency of drivers to step on the gas when an open stretch of road lies ahead. From my observation it appears that the school crossing on Silver Lane could be moved about 200 feet east to the top of the hill where children crossing the street would be visible from both directions on Silver Lane. It also appears to me that a school crossing is needed on Oak- wood Drive at 3rd Street SW but I hesitate to recommend one until a more thorough survey is made to determine where the children are actually crossing. 6. Recommendations School speed limit signs in themselves do not automatically reduce vehicular speeds or prevent accidents. An investigation of the children's walking environment must be taken into consideration if any improvement in safety is to result. Also the children should be educated to this environment. For instance, the solution to this problem may well be the designation of new school crossings with reduced speed limit signs, but the children must be educated to use these desig- nated crossings. On the other hand, construction of some sidewalks may be recommended to keep children off of the street. I discussed this problem with Glen Von Wormer, District Traffic Engineer with the Minnesota Highway Department. Upon request by the City Council and/or the School Board, the State Highway Department will conduct the traffic investigation outlined in the law. This investigation is necessary before reduced speed zones can be established. The Highway Department will work with the school, study the walking habits of the children, investigate the traffic conditions adjacent to the school, assist in the safety education of the children, and