I’ve seen it too many times.

A third grader, seeing a friend, darts from one side of Briggs St. to the other.

A second grader, far too young to be riding a bicycle by herself, wobbles into traffic on 3rd St.

A sophomore squeals out of a parking space near Hellgate High School.

Spring brings many firsts. That third grader may have been walking to school without his dad for the first time. The bicyclist may have just learned how to ride. The high school student may have just received his driver’s license or his first car.

All are inexperienced; none can be counted on to know or follow the rules of safe travel.

Thank you for realizing that, no matter what’s happening inside your bus, and how your day has gone, these young walkers, riders and drivers are important to all of us.

Please be aware that they can dart out from between cars and other blind spots, that they will weave in front of you, either because they haven’t mastered their vehicles or because they believe that they are safe, and that they will make unexpected moves.

Thank you for driving cautiously and watching alertly near every school, and for your extra attention when you load and unload your passengers.

Even though you’ve seen the same sights time and time again, each day is new, and the hazards change. We need to be vigilant in maintaining safe driving procedures.

Thank you for making this a good year for all of us, and for the students; don’t let down your guard between now and the end of school.

The last day, June 12, is fast approaching. To those who won’t return in the fall, we say, “Thanks, and good wishes. Stop by and have a cup of coffee from time to time.”

To the rest of you, thanks, have a great summer, and we’ll see you toward the end of August.