As students head back to school over the next week, roads will be busier with more traffic and distractions. With more activity on the roads, the risk to both drivers and children increases, making road safety even more important.
Whakatāne District Council is reminding drivers, parents, and students to work together to keep school zones safe during drop-off and pick-up times.
“Safety around schools is everyone’s responsibility,” says Richard Hamer, Whakatāne District Council Community Safety Advisor.
“We’re asking parents and caregivers to use designated drop-off zones, keep footpaths and driveways clear, and take a moment to check that children can cross the road safely.”
To ease congestion, families are encouraged to consider parking a short distance from the school and walking the rest of the way. This not only reduces traffic but also promotes healthy habits.
Key safety reminders for drivers include:
- Slow down near schools and watch for children who may cross unexpectedly.
- Give school crossings and patrols plenty of space.
- Park legally. Avoid no-parking zones, double yellow lines, bus stops, and driveways.
Parents and caregivers can also help by teaching children to look both ways before crossing the road or using the controlled pedestrian crossings and avoid distractions like mobile phones while walking.
With patience, courtesy, and a little extra care, we can all help create a safer start to the school year for our tamariki.