It’s that time of year again – thousands of students are heading back to school
Manitoba drivers need to focus on making the roads safer and re-familiarizing themselves with safe driving tips as students return to the classroom, encourages Manitoba Public Insurance.
The return of students results in a dramatic increase in pedestrian and cycling activity in many neighbourhoods. Unfortunately, more than 4,000 Canadian children are hit yearly by motor vehicles while playing outdoors or walking to school, said Ward Keith, executive director, Driver Safety and Regulatory Control, Manitoba Public Insurance.
“Young children in particular may not comprehend the dangers associated with crossing a street unsafely,” said Keith. “The onus of responsibility lies with parents and motorists to ensure everyone gets to school safely.”
To assist with school-zone safety, Manitoba Public Insurance offers to loan out speed reader boards through its School Zone SpeedWatch program. School or parent groups can borrow the equipment to raise drivers’ awareness of their speeds as they pass through school zones. Those interested can call Manitoba Public Insurance, SpeedWatch Coordinator, Road Safety Department, 204-985–8737 or 1–888–767–7640 (toll free).
To avoid a collision, drivers, parents and pedestrians are encouraged to observe the following safety tips:
• Look well ahead to spot school buses and school zone signs; reduce speed in school zones, and wait for children to cross completely before proceeding.
• Stop at least five metres behind a school bus when the upper red lights begin to flash, and do not proceed until the “stop sign” is closed and the red lights stop flashing. Motorists travelling in both directions must stop for the school bus, except if the road is divided by a median.
• Scan under parked cars for the feet of children approaching traffic, and make lane changes early to allow room for children on bicycles, skateboards or roller blades.
• 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.
• Cross only at intersections whenever possible, preferably at those controlled by signs or traffic control signs.
• When crossing the street, regardless of the availability of signals, cross as quickly as possible. Minimize time in the roadway.
