This article is part of the Tri-City News' Back to School series this month.
As children in School District 43 (SD43) return to school tomorrow, Sept. 3, police are reminding motorists to slow down for students.
Coquitlam RCMP said it will be stepping up patrols in September around schools in the area it serves of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Anmore.
And officials from ICBC and policing volunteers will be out to help educate commuters about the school zone speed limits, which are enforced throughout the school year.
Around the province each year, three children are killed and 359 are injured in crashes while walking or cycling. In school and playground zones, 51 children are injured in crashes annually, according to ICBC.
The detachment offers these tips for road safety around schools:
- For pedestrians
- cross the road at the designated crosswalks
- obey the crossing signals
- make eye contact with drivers before stepping on the crosswalks
- wear bright colours or reflective material to be seen
- take off your headphones and put away electronic devices to be more aware of the school surroundings
- For drivers
- slow down and watch the school zone speed limit
- leave extra time if your route goes through a school zone
- put away electronic devices to concentrate on the road
- For parents
- drop off your student safely by not blocking traffic
- passengers should be able to exit onto the sidewalk
“Back to School is an exciting time of year for many students, teachers and parents. As everybody prepares to go back to school we want to remind motorists and pedestrians to discuss safe road habits when travelling to and from school,” the Coquitlam RCMP’s communications team told the Tri-City News.
As students head back to school, Coquitlam RCMP is urging parents to be mindful of the information they share online.https://t.co/0ruzVYRS74#BackToSchool #ParentingTips #OnlineSafety #DigitalParenting #CyberSafety pic.twitter.com/ALmrMNNPZX
— Coquitlam RCMP (@cqrcmp) August 28, 2024
Cyber safety
Meanwhile, Coquitlam Mounties are also reminding parents to watch for information their children share online as they head back to school.
The new academic year typically brings a wealth of new images that students post on social media, which can sometimes pose dangers for them and their families.
“We would like to encourage all parents and youth to refrain from sharing too much information online,” said Const. Ashleigh Daniels of Coquitlam RCMP’s Youth Section.
“If the wrong person was able to access these photos, they’d know where to find your child on school days, and have an easy point of reference to start conversations with them.”
Daniels suggests social media users switch their and their children’s profiles to private; not to post a minor’s full name, age, weight and other personal details; avoid the school name, teacher and/or division; and not share your child’s likes and dislikes.
For more tips about digital citizenship, you can visit the RCMP website.
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