Yesterday, Sept. 2, was the first day of school for Northshore School District. I was walking to get my three children from Woodmoor Elementary around 3:20 p.m., as I do every school day. When I reached Northeast 160th Street across from Northshore Junior High, I waited for the light to change. I got my walk signal and then a car on Northeast 160th traveling about 40 miles per hour ran her red light. I was safe but if there had been students crossing from the other side, they would have been gravely injured.

I have seen numerous cars speed through that intersection and run red lights, endangering students, parents, and younger siblings. Cars have been speeding through nearby neighborhoods, and the flashing school zone lights in the area still have not been turned on.

It is imperative that the Bothell police step up enforcement around all of our schools. I want to see police cars in the area not just now at the beginning, but throughout the school year, particularly at those critical before- and after-school times when students are walking in the area.

I am very worried for the safety of our children. Crossing guards are not always present (in particular for the junior high students) and even when they are, I’ve seen their instructions ignored by drivers.

The population of our region continues to grow uncontrolled; just today (Sept. 3) the Seattle Times ran a front-page story about how greater Seattle is one of the worst metro areas in the country in terms of the rate of traffic accidents, and it’s getting worse. The safety of our children should be the highest priority of the Bothell police, the city, its citizens, and our tax dollars.

If we need to raise money to increase police patrols, let’s do it. If we need to add an extra second to the signal lights before the walk signal switches on for our kids, let’s do that, too.

I cannot emphasize enough the urgency of this matter. To the police department, please step up and help before our children are hurt or killed.

If you agree with me and are concerned about this issue – and we all should be – please take five minutes to contact the city of Bothell Police Department and voice your concerns. Their phone number is 425-486-1254.

Elizabeth Stall, Bothell