Watch out, kids about
25 January 2017
Waipa District Council and Police are reminding drivers to focus on kids as school gets underway for the new year.
Waipa district road safety co-ordinator Megan Jolly said drivers should slow down around schools and be prepared to stop at all crossings.
Children returning to school can be easily distracted by new surroundings or meeting up with friends. They may also have difficulty judging distances and could step out onto a crossing without warning, giving drivers little time to react. This is a reminder to be vigilant and expect increased traffic and pedestrian traffic.
Drivers are reminded to reduce their speed in school areas, take care around parked cars and to check twice at intersections.
Parents dropping children at school also have an important part to play said Jolly.
Please be a good role model and use approved crossings when they're available and always get your children to exit the car from the left on to the footpath.
As part of the Watch out, kids about' campaign, children from several schools across the district will be holding placards outside their schools warning motorists to slow down. Police will also be patrolling around schools ensuring motorists travelling at a safe speed.
Watch out, kids about' is a joint safety campaign between Council, local schools and New Zealand Police and aims to keep children safe on our roads.
For more information, contact: Simone van Asbeck, 027 564 7622