Stepping back into the school year: pedestrian safety tips

Kamloops City

2023-09-12 23:42 PDT

File # PSA

Pedestrian safety starts with one step at a time, police are reminding students as they prepare to make their way back to school.

As the new school year begins, Corporal Dana Napier of the Kamloops RCMP Community Policing Unit, is reminding everyone about the importance of pedestrian traffic safety for students and their families.

The safety of our children while walking to and from school is a shared responsibility, said Cpl. Napier. Together, we can have a significant impact on keeping our pedestrians safe and imparting skills that will last a lifetime.

View larger image: school bus

Below are some tips for pedestrian safety to consider as the community walks into a new school.

• Use crosswalks: always cross the street at designated crosswalks or intersections. Look both ways for oncoming traffic, make eye contact with drivers, and wait for a clear signal to cross.
• Stay visible: wear bright or reflective clothing, especially during darker hours. This helps drivers notice pedestrians, especially in low-light conditions.
• Walk safely: encourage children to walk, not run, when crossing streets. Avoid distractions like using phones or wearing headphones while walking.
• Stop, look, listen: encourage kids to stop at the curb or edge of the road, look left, right, and left again for any oncoming vehicles, and listen for engine noises before crossing.
• Use sidewalks: whenever available, use sidewalks and pedestrian paths. If there are none, walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
• Hold hands: for younger children, always hold their hands while crossing streets. It's essential to provide supervision and guidance.
• Obey traffic signs and signals: follow traffic rules and obey traffic signals. Discuss with children the meaning of stop signs, traffic lights, and pedestrian crossing signals.

For more information and tips, please visit: BC RCMP - Drivers and pedestrians: Exercise caution as schools reopen (rcmp-grc.gc.ca)

Released by

Cpl. Crystal Evelyn

Email: crystal.evelyn@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: kamloops.rcmp.ca

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