Viva Vitality: Be a role model when it comes to back-to-school safety

By Laura Lukye on September 20, 2024.

Back to school is a hectic time of year. School zones are busy with vehicles, students walking and biking to school and school buses picking up and dropping off excited children. We want everyone to prioritize safety over convenience and this means being a good role model for our kids.

Parents, you are your kids first educators and can influence their attitudes and behaviours at an early age. Children look up to you and mimic your actions. It is important you think about your own actions towards safety.

Here are some behaviours to think about when with your children:

1. Wherever possible, use a designated crosswalk. Avoid crossing the street between vehicles.

2. Be aware when walking on the sidewalk and explain the importance of always checking for moving vehicles coming out of a driveway.

3. Take your time when crossing. Remember to point, pause and proceed: stop at the curb, look left, right and left again, and to listen for oncoming traffic. Explain the importance of making eye contact with drivers.

4. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t walk distracted on your phone or have headphones in both ears.

5. Stay out of designated bus pick up and drop off lanes.

6. Do not run across the street against a light, even if you think it is safe.

7. Make sure you are giving yourself enough time to get to school, you don’t want to rush and make costly mistakes.

Your children need you to be a good role model, set a good example when walking or biking to school and when you are dropping them off. For more information on back to school and pedestrian safety, head to Parachute.ca.

Laura Lukye is a health promotion facilitator with Alberta Health Services

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