September is back to school month and RCMP would like to offer some back to school safety tips to help ensure the safety of Manitoba students.
Walking to School
• Make sure your child’s walk to school is a safe route, and your child is familiar with it. Walk with them until they know the route and can do it safely.
• Always stop and look both ways before crossing the street.
• Small children can be less cautious around traffic. Carefully consider whether your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision.
• Consider having a designated adult walk to school with a group of neighborhood children.
• Walk or ride the bus with a “buddy”
On the School Bus
• Always wait for the bus before approaching from the curb.
• Remain seated and do not move around on the bus.
• Always board and exit the bus at a location that provides safe access to the school bus or the school.
Riding Your Bike
• Always remember to wear a helmet, even on a short ride.
• Ride on the right hand side in the same direction as traffic.
• Wear bright or high visibility clothing.
• Know the “rules of the road”.
• At busy intersections, get off your bike and walk across.
Driving to School
• Use extra caution around school zones, crosswalks, and school buses.
• Watch out for young pedestrians and cyclists.
• Driver and passengers should always wear their seat belts.
• In many rural areas, novice teen drivers are driving to and from school. Ensure that young drivers are wearing their seat belts and are not distracted by car stereos, cell phones, text messaging, or other passengers.
