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CAA Saskatchewan safety tips as students return to school

Jan 3, 2019 | 4:00 PM

A new year, and a return to school for children across the province.

Students in the North East School Division are already back at school, while those in the Sask. Rivers and Horizon school divisions return on Monday.

CAA Saskatchewan’s Christine Niemczyk said drivers need to be cautious when going through school zones.

“Abide by the posted speed limit and the times they are in effect,” Niemczyk said. “As motorists, let’s just keep an eye on children crossing the street, allow them enough time to cross safely, we know that intersections can be covered in ice and snow. We want to remind drivers to be attentive, and the school zone areas can be very congested with busy cars and school buses loading or unloading students.”

Niemczyk also had some safety tips for students.

“Before they cross the street let’s have them stop, look both ways, and ensure that any oncoming vehicles have come to a complete stop,” Niemczyk said. “Let’s have our students cross at intersections or at corners, do refrain from jaywalking, best to never run out in traffic or between parked cars, buses, or buildings and we want to remind students to keep their heads up, look around, be alert and aware of their surroundings.”

Parents and caregivers can help their children to be safe around school zones, Niemczyk said.

“Let’s talk to our school administrators and find out where the no stopping and no parking zones are in front of our schools so we can keep those areas clear for students to cross the street safely,” she said.

Parents can also ensure that their children’s winter clothes, like scarves and toques, don’t obstruct their vision.

Many schools across the province also continue to take part in the CAA School Safety Patrol program, which has been managed by CAA Saskatchewan for nearly 70 years.