Voices across the province are joining to alert drivers about the dangers to children, now that school is back in session and youngsters are populating the streets.
"Remember, crashes are preventable and that the demographics to neighbourhood schools, not only in Prince George but across the province, have changed as schools have closed and others have been modified," said Prince George RCMP Sgt. Al Steinhauser.
"Crashes close to schools and parks are preventable," agreed local MLA Shirley Bond, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "We've heard heart-breaking stories of children hurt and innocent lives lost. Let's do our part to drive with more awareness and caution. Please slow down and pay attention to posted speed limits especially in playground or school zones."
Tips for parents and students
No. 1: Remove your headphones; put away your phone, MP3 player or other gadgets when crossing a street. Focus your full attention on the road.
No. 2: Use designated crossing points and follow pedestrian traffic signs and signals. Make eye contact with drivers, so you both see each other. Teach your child to cross at intersections that have a pedestrian crossing light or a marked crosswalk whenever possible.
No. 3: Dress to be seen. Wear bright- or light-coloured clothing. In dark or bad weather, wear reflective material on clothes or accessories.
No. 4: Always walk on the inside edge of the sidewalk -- away from the road. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles and drivers can see you.
No. 5: Be aware of parked vehicles in parking lots and on the road. Before crossing or walking through a parking lot, stop and look left-right-left around the parked vehicle and avoid taking unnecessary shortcuts through parking lots.
Tips for drivers
No. 1: Plan ahead and be alert. Driving routes with less traffic in the summer may now face congestion, so give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Look for children especially near or around crosswalks and intersections.
No. 2: At crosswalks, always yield to pedestrians -- it's the law.
No. 3: When dropping off children in a school zone, stop and allow them to exit on the side of the car closest to the sidewalk. Never allow a child to cross mid-block.
No. 4: If a vehicle is stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, they may be yielding for a pedestrian, so be prepared to stop.
No. 5: Always watch for pedestrians when you're backing up. Before you get into your vehicle, make it a habit to walk around your vehicle to ensure no small children are behind it. And remember, children notice your driving behaviour, so set an example and drive smart.
