Waikato Police urge drivers to be cool with return to school
Waikato Police urge drivers to be cool with return to school
Reducing the risks and keeping all road users safe is the driver behind a road safety campaign being conducted by Waikato Police tasked with keeping those returning, and in some cases starting, school from this week.
Acting District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Dana McDonald, said school start dates were varied across the Waikato with some secondary school students returning today.
"Depending of where you are and what school your children may attend, Term One can commence between 26 January and next Thursday, 05 February.
"While a staggered start, this still means a sharp increase in the number and type of road users from new entrants being dropped off at school to more experienced students riding bikes or walking that all add to the congestion on our roads."
Mr McDonald said it wasn't just those travelling by themselves motorists are asked to keep in mind of but those travelling by school buses as well.
"I'd just like to remind all drivers of the speed limit of 20km/h when passing school buses dropping off or picking up children.
"At the same time various schools within Hamilton, satellite towns throughout the Waikato and rural communities all have sign posted reduced speed limits outside them and we would ask all drivers to take note of these and adjust their speeds accordingly.
It's about protecting those too young to look out for themselves."
Mr
McDonald said there were a number of key things road users
can do to keep themselves and children returning or starting
school safe.
Top tips for motorists:
• Be alert
for children; they can be unpredictable.
• Slow down in
and near school zones or residential areas and come to a
complete stop at all intersections.
• Look for clues
such as crossing guards, bicycles and playgrounds which
indicate children could be in the area.
• Scan between
parked cars and other objects for signs that children could
dart into the road.
• Always stop for school buses that
are loading and unloading students.
• Allow plenty of
time so you are not rushed as you travel to work or
school.
Safe walking tips for parents:
• Young
children should be accompanied by an adult, older child, or
a buddy.
• Involve children in selecting the safest
route to school/home.
Take a practice walk with your
children along the route so they become familiar with
it.
• Teach children to stop, listen and look for
approaching and turning vehicles.
• Discuss the use of
crosswalks, and why it's safer to cross at some corners
rather than others.
• Discuss the meaning of traffic
signals and markings along the route.
• Teach them to
cooperate with police, school safety patrols and adult
crossing guards.
• Set a good example for children -
their actions and attitudes are modelled after
yours.
When picking up or dropping off
children:
• Ensure children get in and out on the
footpath side of the car.
• Park safely, away from
yellow lines, intersections and driveways.
• Don't
double park outside a school.
Park further away if
necessary and walk with your children to and from the school
gate.
• Drive slowly outside schools and be prepared to
stop in case children dart out.
End