The Saskatchewan RCMP are giving drivers some basic safety reminders as the back-to-school season begins with students and teachers back in classes. That means kids walking to and from school, and an extra factor to consider for drivers and children alike.
Saskatchewan RCMP listed off the following school safety precautions as the season picks up again:
- Crossing the road safely: Remind children to stay alert, check for oncoming vehicles, and only cross at approved crossing locations. Children should make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them, ensuring they are seen.
- Be aware of their surroundings: Avoid distractions like texting or listening to music with both earbuds to help keep children safe in high-traffic areas.
- School bus safety: Children should stay at least five big steps away from the edge of the curb while waiting for the school bus. Only approach a bus after it has fully stopped, and the doors have opened. If children need to cross the street, they should always walk in front of the bus, staying in the driver’s line of sight.
- Biking and scootering to school safely: Children should always wear a helmet that is Canadian Standards Association approved when biking or scootering to school and follow the posted traffic signs. Parents should install a horn or bell on children’s bikes and scooters so they can alert other travellers when needed.
Drivers who are near schools also need to keep an eye out. Both new and experienced drivers need to take additional precautions when driving in and around school zones and parks. Drivers are also reminded to follow the posted speed limit in school zones, some of which come into effect at the start of the school year, yield to children walking, biking or scootering, and to obey the stop arm of school buses.
“As school zones become significantly busier next week, we’re urging all drivers to slow down and stay alert,” says S/Sgt. Jill McLaren, leader of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Unit. “Extra caution can go a long way – especially when watching for children who may be learning to navigate busy roads or finding their bus for the first time. Your attention and care can help make the start of the school year safe and positive for everyone.”
For more information on back-to-school safety, you can read more on the Saskatchewan RCMP's website.