What are the most important rules that children need to know to walk safely to and from school? What do we advise parents and what should drivers look out for?

At the beginning of each school year, there are many playful children on the road who do not yet know the dangers of traffic. Therefore, ensuring the safety of children in the first days of September is one of the most important tasks of the police. Drivers, let’s make sure our kids are safe on their school route!

We meet children on the roads much more often than during the holidays, many of them go to school for the first time. Caring for those who are on their way to school for the first time and do not know the dangers they may encounter on their way to school and in everyday traffic is extremely important. At the same time, of course, we must not forget the students who return to school after a long holiday and are still playful.

Children and adolescents belong to the so-called group of weaker road users, as they very rarely appear as the cause of road accidents.

As road users, they are unpredictable, interpret traffic regulations in their own way (especially traffic signs informing about safe walking), and are unable to correctly assess the speed and distance of an oncoming vehicle. That's why their safety is the main concern of other road users. Drivers in particular need to pay special attention to them!
 

The most important rules children need to know for a safe way to school and home:

• They can only cross the road at a pedestrian crossing and at a green light at a pedestrian traffic light in the case of traffic light crossing.
• On their way, they should use marked or traffic light pedestrian crossings, overpasses or underpasses.
•  Before crossing the road, they must make sure they have a clear path (look to the left, right and left again).
• They must walk properly on the pavement or on the side of the road where there is no pavement.
• They must not suddenly step out onto the road.
• They are not allowed to play on the pavement.
• When walking, they should be equipped with a reflector (so called firefly).
• They should use the cycle lane for cycling.
• They should ride the bicycle slowly and carefully, with a cycling licence and on a properly equipped bicycle.
• They must wear a bicycle helmet. This now applies to all riders and passengers on a bicycle up to the age of 18.
• However, they must be fastened with a suitable restraint system while driving a bicycle.

Parents!

• Spend as much time as possible on traffic safety education of your children! Explain them some basic traffic rules (the importance of colors on traffic lights, possible dangers on the school route ...)
• Find out what your children know and can do, not only on the school route, but also on a walk, on a bicycle or in a car.
• Remember you set an example for your children by your own actions! Think about how you cross the road yourself, use seat belts, park, or make phone calls in front of your children while driving?
• When transporting children, make sure they are secured with seat belts or in appropriate seats for their age and weight.
• Make sure that children enter and leave the car on the side facing away from other vehicles and traffic. Any jostling of children next to the car is also dangerous! Parents should take the younger child out of the vehicle themselves.

Drivers!

• As road users, pay special attention to children and their unpredictability!
• Adjust your driving style accordingly. Reduce driving speed near school routes. Drive especially carefully, slowly and at a sufficient safety distance.
• Be especially careful near kindergartens and schools or places where children may play (eg on the streets, in parking lots ...).
• Give pedestrians the right of way so they can cross the road safely.
• You need to park correctly, as stopping or parking incorrectly can not only obstruct but also endanger children and other pedestrians.
• Avoid using your mobile phone while driving, as it is a dangerous distraction from the road and traffic.

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