Thousands of Manitoban children are heading back to school this week.
Whether they walk, skate, bus, bike, or get dropped off — Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is reminding motorists to be cautious of the increased road activity.
A new school year and reuniting with friends is an exciting time for children across the province, and MPI wants everyone to be safe as they head to and from school,” says Maria Campos, vice-president & chief customer and product officer at MPI.
Children crossing
“One of the most common mistakes that drivers make around school zones is speeding,” says Tara Seel, media and public relations lead with MPI.
She notes in many Manitoba communities, the speed limit is 30 kilometres per hour in a school zone.
“Unfortunately, a lot of Manitoba drivers don’t abide by that speed limit — whether they are not aware or they’re just in a hurry.”
Seel explains that children can be unpredictable, and the need for driver awareness is crucial.
“New and veteran drivers alike really need to keep their eyes on the road,” Seel says.
“Make sure you’re going a reasonable speed, whether that’s 30 km/h or under, to make sure that you’re able to scan the road and sidewalks in the surrounding areas.”
She explains scanning under parked vehicles is an additional way to keep an eye out for kids.
“Lower your speed enough to scan between or underneath vehicles for those little feet.”
Seel notes drivers must wait for children to cross the street fully before proceeding.
“That goes back to the point of children being unpredictable. They may have dropped something from their backpack and run back without looking. You just want to make sure they’re completely across the street.”
Rules of the road
School buses are back on the road, and so are their rules.
Motorists must stop at least five metres behind a school bus when the upper red lights are flashing and cannot proceed until the stop sign on the bus is closed, and the lights stop flashing.
Oncoming motorists need to stop with enough distance to allow for children to get on and off the bus and cross the road.
MPI reported in 2014 there were 119 collisions involving a school bus, emphasizing the need for everyone to slow down and work together to keep young Manitobans safe.
Seel says if you aren’t prepared to slow down for school zones, finding an alternative route to avoid those areas during busy times will help keep everyone safe.
“It’s so important to make sure that we’re paying full attention, very alert eyes. Continuously scanning the road when we’re anywhere near a school.”
Parental guidance
To parents sending their kids back to school for another year, or dropping them off for the first time, here are a few ways to help keep your child safe.
MPI’s back-to-school safety tips:
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Cross the street at marked intersections, preferably those controlled by School Safety Patrols, signs, or traffic control signals
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When crossing the street, cross as quickly as possible to minimize time on the roadway
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Look well ahead to spot school buses and school zone signs
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Wait for children to cross the street completely before proceeding
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Make lane changes early to allow room for children on bicycles, skateboards, or roller blades
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If you are driving your children to school, drop them off in a safe area, away from traffic. Use a designated drop-off zone if the school has one
“We really need to talk to our children about being safe in the area," Seel notes.
To learn more about driving safely as we head back to school, visit the Manitoba Public Insurance website.