OTTAWA – With the back-to-school September rush slowing down, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) reminds motorists to keep road safety in mind.
Students are walking, biking and are being driven to school, and for some it is the very first time. With the help of parents and caregivers, we can teach our children the rules of the road by sharing safety tips during the commute to school. A watchful eye before and after school hours and slowing down in school zones, will also help avoid dangerous situations and keep everyone safe.
“We encourage all motorists and parents to be cautious when driving in school zones,” says Jeff Walker, CAA National’s Vice-President of Public Affairs. “It is important to put away distractions such as phones and be extra attentive in school zones, be it a parent driving or a child walking to school.”
CAA also reminds drivers to keep an eye out for CAA School Safety patrollers. More than 70,000 youth volunteers nationwide ensure their peers remain safe while traveling to and from school. You might recognize them in their bright vests at busy intersections near schools or on school buses.
Here are some more dos and don’ts to add to your school routine:
Do’s:
- Pay attention and look both ways before crossing a street.
- Be prepared to stop for CAA school safety patrollers at intersections and crossways.
- Slow down to the posted speed limit and carefully watch for kids crossing in between parked cars.
- Stop for buses when a bus’s lights are flashing. Wait until the children have fully entered or exited the bus and the lights stop flashing to proceed.
- Pick a designated pick-up spot that’s safe and easily accessible to your child to avoid kids wandering the streets to find their ride home.
- Always signal whether driving or biking, share your intentions with others on the road.
- Wear a helmet. Encourage your children to wear a properly fitted helmet while biking.
Don’ts:
- Don’t be distracted – put down the coffee or phone and keep your eyes on the road.
- Don’t park in no parking or no stopping zones even if it’s for a few minutes. Plan ahead and pick a designated pick-up spot.
- Don’t idle, if you stop for longer than 10 seconds it’s more fuel efficient to shut off your car and turn it back on when it’s time to go.
- Don’t ignore School Safety Patrollers as they are there to protect youngsters as they cross the street. When crossing guards extend their flag or signs and enter the street, come to a complete stop and wait for all pedestrians to cross, proceeding only when the patroller has returned to the curb.
CAA is a federation of nine clubs providing over 6 million Members with exceptional emergency roadside service, complete automotive and travel services, member savings and comprehensive insurance services.
For further information or to book an interview today, please contact:
Kristine D’Arbelles
Manager, Public Affairs
CAA National
613-247-0117 ext. 2006
613-796-9404
kdarbelles@national.caa.ca