Over the course of the next week, thousands of students will be returning to school. This year in particular will look different than in years past. The school buses will be rolling as normal and extra caution and care will be required. This year, more than usual, many parents will be driving their kids to school. This will increase the volume of traffic on the roads and will increase the number of vehicles stopping in and around the area of schools.
The Belleville Police Service is encouraging everyone to take extra time and be cautious as we enter this school year. Here are some back to school road safety tips from the Canada Safety Council;
Driving Tips to Keep Kids Safe
1. Reduce your speed. Be more careful in residential areas where children are present. Respect speed limits in school zones and playground zones.
2. Stop for school buses displaying the flashing red lights and the extended stop arm. Traffic in both directions must stop for school buses. Do not continue on until the flashing lights stop.
3. Obey crossing guards.
4. Never overtake other vehicles within a school zone or within a half block of any crosswalk.
5. Avoid U-turns and three-point turns in school zones. Children can have a difficult time predicting these types of vehicle manoeuvers.
6. Give cyclists a wide berth.
7. Leave extra time to reach your destination.
If you must drive your children to school:
11. Let kids off away from traffic. Usually, that is the passenger side of the vehicle.
12. Walk a block. To help avoid vehicle congestion in the immediate vicinity of the school, consider parking a short distance away, and walk your kids the rest of the way.
(Belleville Police Service Press Release)
