"Parents who drive their children to and from school are actually the biggest danger to child pedestrians and cyclists around schools. The congestion caused by so many vehicles creates a very dangerous environment," says David Dunne, director of road safety programs for the BCAA Road Safety Foundation.
I was pleased to hear this because I want to see our children walking to school and this comment certainly supports the concept that being driven to school is not always the safest alternative.
School has been back a few weeks and I notice all sorts of problems with cars and children in front of the schools. I live two blocks from a middle school and my street is a parking lot morning and late afternoon with parents driving these children to and from school. At my local school and others in the Lower Mainland I see parents grabbing a child's hand and jaywalking, ignoring the school crossing guards, making U-turns, backing up into crosswalks. None of this is designed to either make children safer or teach them good pedestrian skills.
Regular readers will know that I have often spoken of the value of kids walking to and from school. The first and obvious one is that of regular fresh air and exercise. Kids who walk to school daily are not only getting exercise, they are more prepared to arrive at class ready to focus on the work at hand. Kids who are driven are more likely to be antsy until they get a chance to move and play.
Walking also allows them to make the transition from home to school. When they walk to school they are starting the process of separation. They become able to get themselves from one place (home) to another (school), which is a step toward being able to go to visit their friends, shopping at the mall and eventually to their own apartment.
There are some steps parents can take to increase their child's school safety. The first is to teach your children how to walk to school. Talk to other parents so the kids are walking together in groups. Teach them where to cross the road, how to cross safely, and if there are school crossing guards to follow their direction.
If they are riding their bikes, ensure that they are wearing a helmet. Bright clothing with reflective strips is a good idea. It's important for your bike-riding children to understand that the bike is a vehicle and they must obey the rules of the road.
Children taking public transit need to be aware of the bus to take and how to safely board and leave the bus.
Texting while walking is a safety hazard, particularly when crossing the road. When you child is engaged with her cellphone her head is down and her attention is not on the traffic. The phone should stay in her pocket or backpack until she reaches the schoolyard.
There are also steps all drivers need to take when driving near a school or in any residential area. Slow down and pay attention. Speed limits are slower by schools for a reason. There are children present and you need to be more vigilant.
If there are parked cars, pay special attention because a child may suddenly dart out onto the road. If you see an object such as a ball roll onto the road assume there will be a child right behind it.
Always stop for school buses when the lights are flashing. It only takes a moment and may well save a life.
Much of this information comes from the BCAA Road Safety Foundation, which is a non-profit registered charity working with families, communities and business partners to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes and injuries in B.C. For more information visit www.BCAATSF.ca.
Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker, broadcaster, columnist and author. parentingtoday.ca
