Schools went back into session on Sept. 6, and for the next week or so, students will be excited about getting back into classes to start a new and exciting year.
Drivers, parents and students have to be aware that throughout the whole school year, school zones can be one of the most dangerous places for a child pedestrian.
Research shows that most child pedestrian-related injuries occur in September and October, followed by May and June, and children aged five to 14 are in the highest risk group.
The most frequently reported cause for child-pedestrian incidents occur when youths cross at intersections or run onto the road.
According to BCCA Road Safety Foundations statistics, parents who drive their children to and from school are actually the biggest danger to child pedestrians and cyclists around schools.
The congestion of vehicles creates a dangerous environment, and drivers have been reported making U-turns, stopping in no-stopping zones, rolling through stop signs and letting children out from the driver’s side into oncoming traffic.
Parents must make sure their children know the rules of the road and how to cross roads safely by taking their first-time students on the safest route, and practising the rules of not running, and crossing at crosswalks and looking both ways twice before doing so.
Older youths also have to be aware of where they’re walking and make sure they’re not being distracted by talking and texting on cell phones or having earphones plugged into their iPods.
They should also realize they are setting an example for younger students and, therefore, must take a few extra steps instead of jaywalking.
Drivers have to be aware the youths will be excited about going back to school and may not be paying as much attention as they should be.
Therefore, motorists have to drive defensively, expecting the unexpected, and make sure they’re proceeding slowly and without distraction.
Together, we can all make the back-to-school experience a positive and happy one.
