Be safe, be seen: back to school safety tips

THORNHILL, ON, Sept. 3 /CNW/ - Start the new school year off on the right foot. "Back to school means more children will be walking and biking on our roads. CAA is urging motorists to keep a watchful eye out for kids as they return to school after Labour Day," said Leslie Rocha, Community Relations Specialist, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO).

CAA SCO tips for drivers:

• Slow down in school zones
  
  
• Be ready to stop at all times
  
  
• Always try to make eye contact with kids waiting to cross the road
  
  
• Be patient for children to finish crossing the street
  
  
• Stop for school buses when lights are flashing

"Drivers need to be alert and reduce their speed in school zones while school children should always stop, look and listen for traffic," said Sergeant Dave Woodford, OPP.

CAA SCO tips for children:

• Be seen. Stop before stepping onto the road
  
  
• Look in all directions before crossing the street
  
  
• Walk, don't run, across the road

CAA SCO bus safety rules:

• Be at the bus stop on time and avoid running to or from the bus
  
  
• Wait for the bus in a safe place that is a good distance from the side of the road
  
  
• Use the hand rail when boarding or exiting the bus
  
  
• Keep feet out of the aisle to avoid tripping people as they enter and exit the bus
  
  
• Keep your head and arms inside the bus
  
  
• Always follow the bus driver's instructions

For over 80 years, CAA SCO has been getting children to and from school safely. The CAA School Safety Patrol program is a joint partnership between CAA, the police, school boards, teachers, bus operators, parents and more than 25,000 dedicated student volunteers who give their time to ensure their fellow classmates remain safe at crosswalks and on school buses.

For further information:

Media contact: Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Specialist, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone] or Jeff LeMoine, Internal/External PR Specialist, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]