Traffic Safety Around Schools

Pedestrians, children and drivers all need to know the rules of the road.

Traffic Safety is Everyone’s Concern

Langley School District has developed curriculum to teach primary and intermediate students the importance of traffic safety, not only going to and from school, but at all times. It is important that the same message be reinforced in the home. Parents are urged to talk about traffic safety with their children and to model safe behaviours whenever possible. Make traffic safety an issue in your homes, your schools and your neighbourhoods.

Steps for Crossing Roads Safely

• Cross where it’s safe. If there is a signalized crossing, use it, even if it means taking a detour.
• Stop before stepping into a road, driveway or lane.
• Look in all directions. Look left-right-left and over the shoulder for vehicles that may be turning.
• Listen for approaching vehicles that aren’t visible but could be coming from a driveway, around a corner or over a hill.
• Make eye contact with drivers so you know they see you and they know you see them. Remember that unless a driver is looking directly at you they may not see you.
• Check that all vehicles are completely stopped before stepping into the road. Be certain there are no vehicles passing stopped vehicles – especially trucks or vans.
• Obey all traffic signs. (Parents take time to point out signs, signals and their meanings to children when you are on walks and drives. Even if you think your children already know what the signs mean, remind them.)
• Walk, don’t run across the street, roadway or lane. Keep looking for approaching vehicles as you cross. Look left-right-left and over your shoulder.
• Don’t wear headphones when crossing streets. Remember, you have to Stop, Look and Listen.
• Don’t jaywalk. Cross only at corners or marked crosswalks.
• Parents keep this information posted in a prominent place in your home and refer to it often.

Some Rules of the Road for Drivers

• Travel 30 km/hr or less near schools from 8AM to 5PM on school days. Near playgrounds travel 30 km/hr or less from dawn to dusk.
• Obey all “no parking” and “no stopping” signs in school and park zones. Parked vehicles reduce visibility and are a traffic hazard for children.
• Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, even if there are no markings, signs or traffic signals. Wait until pedestrians have crossed the street before proceeding and never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
• Do not pass a school bus with its red lights flashing. All traffic must stop for school buses with flashing red lights on.
• Be alert at all times. Make eye contact with pedestrians so they know you see them. When children are present be extra careful.