It’s that time again and the Lord Mayor Cathy Raffery is reminding everyone to do their part to keep children safe as they walk to school.
Pedestrians and motorists she said should take extra care on the roads.
“As the school term approaches there will be a substantial increase in morning and evening traffic. To ensure the safety of our school pupils, I would encourage all to be extra vigilant and drive safely as children return to school,” she said.
The Mayor has listed some useful and ‘common sense’ tips and suggestions as the school term approaches:
- Give yourself an extra 10 or 15 minutes for your morning commute. The extra time will not only reduce stress but help keep our roads safer. Drivers are less likely to speed or engage in other dangerous driving habits when they aren’t running late
- Slow down. Watch for children walking in the road, especially if there are no pavements in the neighbourhood. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops
- Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic
- If you are moving up to a new school, then plan your journey and allow yourself plenty of time.
- Take time to check out the route that you will be taking to school, including any potential hazard points along the way
- Make sure you are wearing bright clothing, and preferably reflective or fluorescent items
- Now is a good time to make sure your bicycle is in good working order, and wearing an approved cycle helmet is recommended.
Pupils using a school bus should always:
- Arrive at the bus stop in plenty of time
- Stay well clear of other traffic whilst the bus is moving off
- Wait until the bus moves off and the road is clear in both directions before crossing roads.
