Nova Scotia RCMP Traffic Services would like to remind the motoring public that children will be heading back to school next week.

Reuniting with school friends following summer break can be very exciting, and with so many distractions, children may forget basic road safety rules as they walk, bicycle, and ride the bus to school.

“As children return to school, please be alert and slow down to ensure our children are safe,” says Insp. Sput McCarthy of the RCMP Traffic Services for Nova Scotia. “It’s important for motorists to remember that children may react unexpectedly to oncoming traffic. The approach of a car may cause them to hesitate, and then run into the street.”

To keep children safe, motorists should:

– Scan farther down the road and obey posted speed limits. Always be prepared to slow down or stop.

– Avoid distractions such as loud music, cell phones or eating when driving.

– Use caution when approaching crosswalks. Parked or stopped vehicles may hide a pedestrian who is crossing the road.

– Be very cautious in parking lots or when backing out of a parking stall or driveway.

– Watch for kids between parked vehicles and on the sidewalk. They may dash out into the street after a friend or a toy.

The RCMP is committed to keeping our roads safe for all Nova Scotians.

Source: http://www.bedfordbeacon.com/rcmp-remind-motorists-to-slow-down-as-kids-head-back-to-school