Students in Airdrie are heading back to the classroom and Canada’s Public Health Agency is warning kids and parents to be alert to guarantee a safe beginning to the school year.
David Butler-Jones, Canada’s chief public health doctor, released a report with tips for parents to ensure their children transition back to school without incident.
“Whether they travel on foot, by bicycle, by bus or by car, it’s important to teach your child how to get to school safely,” he said.
Pedestrians must remain vigilant during the coming weeks, said Cst. Rob Frizzell of the Airdrie RCMP.
“Pedestrian safety with kids is definitely important,” he said. “Fall tends to be a dangerous time for kids heading back.”
Drivers need to be aware of school zones going into effect and the accompanying fines if caught speeding. Fines range from $57 to $351 and a court summons if caught speeding through a school or playground zone. Playground zones run from sunrise to sunset and school zones generally run 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The penalty for failing to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing is $402.
If a motorist stops while the lights are flashing and then proceeds past the bus, the fine is $345.
Drivers are required by law to wait until a buses’ lights have stopped flashing and it begins to move.
Frizzell encourages parents to do a dry run of their child’s route to school, helping kids learn their new path.
“Let them know this is where the crosswalk is, where cars turn, or a culvert, or running water,” he said.
“That way, there won’t be as much anxiety when they do the maiden voyage.”
Airdrie has a myriad of road projects underway and drivers must pay close attention to construction workers and signage.
“There’s construction everywhere and those (areas) tend to be difficult for everybody,” said Aubrey Bloxham, director of transportation with Rocky View Schools. “You have to look for signs.”
Use crosswalks whenever possible and give cars adequate time to stop before you step onto the road.
Children should take five steps back when a bus approaches and avoid horseplay.
Ralph McCall Elementary in Airdrie opened Aug. 19 while the rest of Rocky View Schools will be up and running on Aug. 31.
