Return to School - Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia Advises
Motorists and Pedestrians to Use Extreme Caution

HALIFAX, Aug. 31 /CNW/ - The Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia would like to remind motorists that thousands of children and young adults across Nova Scotia will be returning to school or university in the coming days. Many may be going to a new school, new to the area or new to the Province and still learning the route they are travelling. 

"Please exercise extra caution during this time to ensure everyone gets to school safely," says Ken Myers, President, IBANS. 

The following tips from the Canada Safety Council can be reviewed with your children:

Many children use roadways to make their way to and from school. Parents and guardians must review road safety rules with their children and the importance of not accepting rides or any invitations from strangers. It is best to walk with a buddy and keep focused on getting straight home.

To keep safe on roads, children pedestrians must:

• Find a safe and direct route to school with the help of their parents. Hazards should be identified (train tracks, busy intersections, etc.) and a designated route with safety rules should be established.
• Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk, use the left side of the road facing traffic.
• Cross streets only at crosswalks and learn to look to the left, the right and then left again before proceeding, even at intersections with pedestrian walk signs.
• Wait until traffic comes to a stop before crossing. Make sure drivers see you before you cross.

Myers says, "Prevention is the key to safety. With education and awareness, all children should be able to get safely to school and home again. Take the time to share these valuable rules and tips with your children."

Founded in 1949, the Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia is a not-for-profit trade association.

For further information:

Karen Slaunwhite, Executive Director, IBANS
380 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS  B3M 2L4   Phone: [phone]