RNC Issue “Return to School” Road Safety Advisory Sept 3, 2014

(ST. JOHN’S, NL), September 3, 2014 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) would

like to remind the public that the 2014-2015 school year is officially in full swing in the province

of Newfoundland and Labrador. The RNC would like to remind citizens of the following:

Road safety:

• Discuss road safety regularly with your children so they are comfortable with these

topics and know what to do.

• Parents are asked to educate their children as to their responsibilities to use crosswalks

and to encourage them to make eye contact with motorists prior to entering a crosswalk.

Doing a dry run walk to school before school starts will show your child how to get to and

from school safely.

• Members of the RNC Traffic Services and Patrol Division will be increasing patrols in

school and residential neighborhoods this school year to ensure speeds are reduced

and crosswalks are being used and respected by both pedestrians and motorists.

• Motorists should pay particular attention to young children riding bicycles and walking as

they often cross the road in areas where there is no crosswalk.

• Motorists are reminded to significantly reduce speed in school and residential areas and

to repeatedly scan intersections for school aged pedestrians, especially at crosswalks.

• Remind children to avoid distractions such as texting while walking and to be alert and

aware of their surrounds.

Stranger Safety & Awareness:

• Teach your children that when walking to or from school, a stranger is anyone they don’t

know, and that even someone who is friendly is a stranger.

• Teach young children their full name, address and a parent or guardian’s phone number

in case of an emergency.

• Make sure your child knows to never enter the house or car of a stranger and that when

they are home after school, to never let a stranger into the house.

The RNC would like wish everyone a safe and enjoyable school year