Fall is a busy time for families with school, music lessons and sports practices starting up. With all this activity, it's a good time for parents to teach their children how to stay safe while walking to and from school.
In May 2002, changes were made to the Alberta Motor Association School Safety Patrol program procedures in Calgary area playground zones. Instead of stepping into the crosswalk area to stop oncoming traffic, school patrollers now hold up stop signs from the curb to alert drivers that children will be crossing. Children are allowed to cross only when there is a long, safe gap in traffic or after traffic has come to a complete stop.
It is now more important than ever for drivers to remain alert in playground zones, where the speed limit is 30 km/h from30 km 7:30am to 9pm, all year around Parents can help increase traffic safety near schools by parking in designated locations when dropping off or picking up their children, and by modeling safe pedestrian habits.
Children should be taught never to jaywalk. Whenever possible, they should cross the street at marked crosswalks with flashing lights or traffic signals. At intersections with no signals, they should check for vehicles in all directions. Once the road is clear of traffic, children should use the point, pause and proceed pedestrian safety method to cross the street: POINT across the road with your arm to show drivers that you want to cross.
PAUSE until all cars stop, making eye contact with the drivers so you're certain they see you. · PROCEED with your arm extended when all vehicles have stopped. Keep scanning the road for hidden dangers, as some drivers may not realize other vehicles have stopped for pedestrians.
When driving in areas where kids are around, lower your speed and anticipate that they might cross the street unexpectedly. Always be aware of what other motorists are doing. If you are unsure why a vehicle has stopped, be cautious, slow down and be prepared to stop in case it has stopped for pedestrians.
Jack is the Chief of the Calgary Police Service. For more information about traffic safety, visit www.calgarypolice.ca.
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