Blue Sky Patrol

Anti-Idling Education/Outreach Program

In the United States, one out of every fifteen children has asthma – a staggering fact. Many studies attribute these numbers to the high levels of pollutants in the air. The exhaust fumes from cars are a significant contributor to those pollutants.

Kids breathe twice as much air as adults. That means they come in contact with twice as many pollutants. School zones, during pick up and drop off times, are currently “high idling zones.” A single vehicle that drops off and picks up kids at school emits three pounds of air pollution each month.

Turn Off Your Engine When Parked, Reduce Your Idle Time

The City of Austin's Blue Sky Patrol and other local agencies, encourages parents to reduce their idling time in school zones. One simple method to reduce idling is to turn off the engine when you know that you will be waiting more than one minute.

Use Alternative Transportation, Participate in Commute Solutions 4Kids

The Commute Solutions Coalition of Central Texas is a business/government partnership that promotes the benefits of alternative commute modes and practices. Commute Solutions 4Kids offers these suggestions for the commute to school in the Austin area.

• Yellow School Bus – Ride the bus if you live over 2 miles from your assigned school; visit AISD Bus program for more information.
• School Pool – Share the carpool responsibilities with other parents; visit Capital Metro Commute Solutions 4Kids or call 477 -RIDE for potential carpool matches.
• Walking School Bus – Organize a group to walk to school together; learn more about walking safety rules.
• Bike Buddies - Organize a group to bike to school together.

Pledge Your Support, Help Our Children Breathe Easier

Parents and guardians of school-aged children, at participating schools, are asked to complete the Blue Sky Patrol “Stopping Idling” pledge form. Participants will receive a windshield sticker that identifies them as a Blue Sky Patrol member.

Participating schools will receive anti-idling rewards, based on their level of participation. And, deputized 5^th grade students will act as Blue Sky Patrol members. Blue Sky Patrol deputies will monitor idling in their school zones.

Impact of Idling Vehicles

Vehicle idling impacts the environment, health issues and your budget.

• Air pollutants are linked to the development of childhood asthma, which is the most common chronic illness in children and causes the most school absences.
• Repeat exposure can lead to a lifetime of lung problems.
• Vehicle idling not only causes air pollution, it also wastes your money on extra gasoline.
• Idling is terrible for your vehicle. It leads to an incomplete burn of fuel, which leaves a nasty deposit in your engine.