As children across Nova Scotia prepare to go back to school, Nova Scotia RCMP is sharing back to school safety tips for parents, students and motorists. As well, daily reminders will be sent throughout the week on the RCMP in Nova Scotia Facebook page and Twitter account using the hashtag #SchoolZoneSafety.

During the first week of school, police often receive reports of drivers passing school buses while their flashing red lights are on. While tickets are usually issued in these cases, police are more concerned that this situation could result in a tragedy.

‘As the first week of classes begin, we are asking parents to talk with their children about the importance of being safe in school zones, specifically when boarding and exiting school buses’ says Nova Scotia RCMP Cst. Mark Skinner. ‘We are also asking parents and motorists to slow day and be alert now that children will be back at school.’

Below are some important safety practices that parents should pass on to their children as they prepare to head back to school:

– Always walk on the sidewalk (if possible) and never dart across the road unexpectedly

– Always look both ways before crossing the street

– Always cross the street in a marked crosswalk, and wait until the crossing guard says it is safe to proceed

– Stop, look, and listen for traffic before getting off the school bus

– When exiting the school bus, walk 10 feet in front of the bus and wait for the driver to signal that it is ok to cross the street

– Put cell phones and tablets in your school bag when boarding and exiting the bus

Motorists should keep the following safety tips in mind when driving near school zones:

– Reduce your speed in school zones

– Watch out for increased pedestrian traffic

– Be alert for children near schools, buses and parking lots

– Use extra caution when driving through areas where school buses are operating

– Always stop and never attempt to pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing

The RCMP in Nova Scotia wish all new and returning students a happy and safe first week of classes.

Source: Release