Preferring not to rely on the "parental ride"
A Safe and Educational School Journey for Kindergarten Children
As the new school year approaches, the Rhein-Kreis-Neuss police are urging parents and guardians to prioritise traffic safety for kindergarten children. The "Footpath Training for Kindergartens" section on their website offers valuable tips for safe school routes.
The school journey is more than just a commute; it's an opportunity for children to learn and move independently. Ideally, children should learn traffic safety skills with parental guidance. This process helps them handle traffic safely and confidently.
To ensure a safe and beneficial journey, parents can take several steps. Firstly, plan and practice the safest route to school that uses sidewalks, crosswalks, and well-lit streets. Secondly, review and reinforce traffic rules with children, including how to safely cross streets and obey crossing guards and traffic lights.
Children should wear appropriate safety gear like properly fitted bike helmets and bright clothing to increase visibility. Encourage them to exit vehicles on the curb side rather than into traffic and use designated drop-off/pickup zones to avoid blocking visibility and traffic flow.
Driving cautiously in school zones is crucial. Obey reduced speed limits (typically 20 mph), stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights, yield to pedestrians, and avoid distractions like phone use while driving.
If children ride buses, ensure they know to wait well back from the curb, enter and exit carefully, and cross streets about 10 feet in front of the bus only after it has stopped completely. Discuss and practice what-ifs and safe behaviors to anticipate unexpected traffic situations to keep children alert and cautious.
Limiting the number of cars around schools by carpooling and following school-specific drop-off procedures helps reduce congestion and improve safety. Finding a parking spot away from the school allows for a calm exit and goodbye without hindering others.
The Rhein-Kreis-Neuss police also remind all road users to be considerate, drive at an appropriate speed, and with care during the school year. For additional tips, visit the "Traffic Safety Projects" section on their website.
It's important to note that children do not benefit from being driven to school as it limits their opportunity for movement and social interaction. Instead, they can reap physical and social benefits from walking the last stretch to school.
In sum, a combination of education, practiced routines, proper safety gear, and vigilant, cautious behavior by both children and adults helps create a safe, stress-free journey to school. Let's work together to ensure a successful and safe start to the new school year.
