KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Defenders are warning Kirtland Air Force Base motorists to be extra careful as Wherry and Sandia Base elementary schools open for the fall. The first day of school is Thursday, Aug. 11.
“Even though we have plenty of hot days ahead of us, Kirtland drivers need to change their mindset from summer vacation to back to school,” said Staff Sgt. Keith McKnight, non-commissioned officer in charge of police services. “Wyoming Boulevard is always a source of concern, as it’s easy to miss the school zone lights blinking due to traffic, but we don’t want to ignore the other approaches to schools along Paintbrush or Gibson, either.”
School begins at 9 a.m., and drivers should see the school zone lights go on 30 minutes prior. Class lets out at 3:40 p.m., with the exception of Wednesday, and the lights go on just before.
Wednesdays have dismissal at 12:30 p.m. for Sandia and 1 p.m. for Wherry. Drivers need to monitor school zones up to 30 minutes after dismissal.
The Security Forces Squadron plans to be out in force to remind drivers to slow down in all marked school zones.
“We want to assist drivers in getting into the back-to-school mindset, so we’ll be there as a friendly reminder but also ready to enforce traffic safety if needed,” McKnight said. “Leaving the house 10-15 minutes earlier is probably a good idea, as back to school usually means the gates are busier as well.”