September 3, 2024 1:46 PM
Red Deer, Alta. – Red Deer RCMP are reminding the public of important safety tips as students return to school.
School doors in Red Deer are officially open, which means increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic on our streets. In addition to school buses, the public may see more people walking, cycling or driving to school.
To assist with the transition, and to encourage all to share the roads safely, Red Deer RCMP offer the following safety reminders:
- Observe school zone speeds - in addition to before and after school, children are often out throughout the day at recess, lunch, and for some classes, so drive slowly throughout the entire school day
- Obey the crossing guard - crossing guards are there to keep children safe. Follow their direction as there may be a child still crossing that you cannot see
- Watch for darting children - children are small and can be easily distracted, therefore drivers must be extra vigilant and alert
- Be aware of school buses that are stopped - slow down and watch for children that may be crossing the road
- Obey all signs and parking directions in school zones - do not double park for drop off/ pick up, and do not park in a no stopping/ no parking zone, such as too close to the crosswalk, as this makes it hard for other drivers to see children who may be crossing the road
- Teach children school bus safety - children should stand well away from the road and stay back until the school bus makes a full stop and doors open; explain that they must walk at least 10 feet away when crossing in front of the bus so they can be seen
- Teach children how to walk to school safely - practice the route and discuss safety scenarios to help children be prepared; ensure children can demonstrate how to safely cross the street
Back to school is a busy time. To help everyone stay safe, Red Deer RCMP ask the public to slow down on the roads and be extra vigilant during this transition back to school.
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