This year, going back to school has new COVID-19 challenges but one of the challenges that never changes is ensuring safety. Each school will have its own operational plan which you should be familiar with to ensure a smooth return to the new normal of school routine.
It's also time for Prince Edward Island RCMP to reinforce to drivers, students, and guardians a few key safety tips in light of the extra traffic on the roads and on foot across P.E.I.
Drivers:
- Familiarize yourself with the school zones in your area and adhere to the posted speed limits
- Remember to slow down in school zones and be alert to extra activity during drop off and pick up times
- School busses will be back out on the roads and they make frequent stops to pick up and drop off students. When you see flashing amber lights, get ready to stop
- Red lights flashing on a bus means YOU MUST STOP. It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus when red lights are flashing
- Always watch for students at crosswalks and obey the signals of crossing guards and traffic control devices
- Pay attention and be aware that neighbourhood streets near schools and in school zones are busy with both vehicles and students. Use extra caution as many new students can be unpredictable
- Distracted driving is a danger to everyone. Put away your devices, beverages, cosmetics and food while driving. Avoid distraction and focus on the road and traffic.
Students:
- While waiting for a bus or your designated drive, stand well away from the road in a safe and well lit area
- Don't walk/run between school buses or cars because other people may not see you
- It's a good rule to remember that if you can't see the driver, the driver probably cannot see you either
- If you are walking to school, good for you! And, walk on the sidewalk where possible and only cross the road at marked crosswalks or controlled intersections
- If there are no sidewalks to use, walk on the left-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic and stay as far away from traffic as possible
- Pay attention, stay alert when crossing the street and watch for traffic even if you have the right of way
- When its darker early in the morning or late in the evenings, wear brightly coloured clothing or even a reflective arm band or other items with reflective strips to help motorists see you better
- Biking, skateboarding, roller-blading or using a scooter – follow the rules of the road and always wear your safety gear. It's a law in P.E.I. to wear a helmet
- Don't be distracted when walking. It's bad enough when drivers do it, but when you are walking, don't text or listen to music loud enough that you aren't aware of what's going on around you
Guardians/Parents:
- Show your child a safe route to take to and from school. Make sure that they know the rules of the road and how to safely use a crosswalk and obey traffic control devices and crossing guards
- If the shortcut isn't safe, tell them not to use it. Shortcuts through parking lots and/or jaywalking is dangerous
- If your child is waiting for a bus, make sure they understand any hazards in the area. Show them a safe place where they can wait
- Make sure the kids know that they shouldn't run after a school bus to try to catch it. Motorists and the bus driver may not see them and they may put themselves in danger
- Help children to understand that sometimes drivers don't see them. Teach them to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street to be sure they are being seen
- Don't always assume you have the right away and use caution when walking
- If you are waiting for the bus after school, don't wait in a spot that causes the children to cross the road ~ they may be too excited to see you and dash onto the roadway
It's hard to cover every possibility, and we are all working with some new rules this year, but use common sense and help your children learn good behaviours by good example. Throw the cell phone in the trunk and talk over safety tips with your kids. Keep an eye out for young pedestrians and be patient and cautious.
And welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! Have fun and stay safe.