The Canadian Safety Council is reminding motorists to take extra care on the roads when the school year starts again.
In Prince George, classes resume for the fall on Sept. 4.
"Patience, extra attentiveness and situational knowledge go a long way toward keeping our roads safe for everyone," Canada Safety Council president Gareth Jones said in a press release. "It's our responsibility as conscientious road users to make sure that nobody is unnecessarily put in harm's way."
Children, especially young children, aren't always attentive to danger and can act unpredictably, the council says. A child running to catch their bus may dart unexpectedly into traffic, so drive cautiously, watch for children on the sidewalk or side of the road and be prepared to stop suddenly.
It is against the law to pass a school bus when its red signal lights are flashing - regardless of which side of the road the bus is on (except on median-divided highways).
Also be vigilant to watch for children walking or riding bicycles to and from school, especially at crosswalks, in school zones and on residential streets without sidewalks.
Being aware of your surroundings and obeying speed limits will give you more time to react if a child steps into the roadway suddenly.
