Alberta RCMP offering back to school safety tips

Alberta RCMP is offering tips to ensure everyone gets back to school safely.

As classes are starting up again, police are reminding parents, guardians, students and motorists to take extra precautions.

Parents/guardians and students:

• Brightly coloured clothing can help make students more visible when weather conditions or time of day reduce visibility.
• Teach your child to look in all directions before crossing the street, cross only at designated crosswalks, and make eye contact with drivers before stepping onto the road.
• Remind your child to never run after a school bus. Bus drivers and motorists may not see them enter the roadway. 
• Show your child a safe route to walk or bike to school. Walk the route with them at least once to identify potential hazards, use crosswalks safely, and obey traffic control devices.
• If your child takes the school bus, ensure they understand the traffic hazards that may be present near the bus stop and where they can wait safely.
• If meeting your child at the bus stop after school, wait at the designated stop rather than nearby. Children may forget traffic safety rules and cross the road without checking for traffic.
• Texting, using a mobile device, or listening to music with headphones while walking can be distracting and make it harder to notice traffic hazards.