SCHOOL’S OUT – ALMOST

For most Owen Sound students summer holidays start Friday with the last day of school being tomorrow.  Kids will be excited and may not be thinking about their personal safety so drivers need to be extra cautious in looking for child pedestrians during the summer months.  The Owen Sound Police Service is reminding drivers and parents about the importance of keeping kids safe throughout the summer months.  We would like to remind you to watch for children that may be bicycling along the shoulders of roads, playing in parks and water safety is equally as important as there will be an increase in activity on the water.

Tips for Drivers 

• The last week of school is an exciting time for children and they may become preoccupied and forget the rules of the road. Use extra caution when driving through school zones.
• During those last few days of school, be aware that kids may be arriving or leaving school at different times throughout the day.
• Observe carefully when driving around playgrounds and parks.
• Small children are less predictable and harder to see than adults.
• Watch for clues, a hockey net or ball in the road or on the sidewalk can mean kids are playing nearby.
• Pay attention and always anticipate the unexpected.
• Always watch for small children as you’re backing up. Walk around your vehicle to make sure no kids or pets are behind it.

Tips for Parents

• Teach your children to make eye contact with the driver before they cross, even if the walk signal is on.
• Remind your children to walk, don’t run, across the road.
• To stop, look and listen before crossing the street.
• Don’t jaywalk. Teach your children to cross at intersections that have a marked crosswalk or a pedestrian crossing light.
• When walking with your child, avoid unnecessary shortcuts like walking through a parking lot. Drivers may not see children between parked cars and the children may not see the cars moving.

Have a safe and happy summer!