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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Smarten up, slow down as kids return to school
Rush hour a lot more dangerous, police say
BORIS.MINKEVICH@FREEPRESS.MB.CA Enlarge Image
Crosswalk at Balmoral and Qu’Appelle is considered a high-risk crossing.
Police are asking parents, kids and drivers to smarten up and slow down because rush hour is about to get a lot heavier and more dangerous as children head back to school this week.
"Traffic intensity is going to increase significantly, along with the likelihood of collisions occurring," said Winnipeg Police Service spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen.
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"They can be prevented with some simple things," he said Monday. "Like lower your speed. If you lower your speed by 10 kilometres an hour... you've increased your ability to stop in time if someone jumps out in front of you."
With more people returning to work from summer vacation and children returning to class, roads and intersections will be more crowded and potentially dangerous, he said.
"People need to be reminded about school zones."
The police are advising parents and school kids to get into a routine that's safe. If your child walks to school, walk with your child several times to familiarize them with the route and point out traffic hazards and situations to avoid. As the distance from home to school increases, so does the risk of encountering traffic safety hazards, police said.
"It's really important that people familiarize young kids, and that adults are talking to their children: This is a good route. This, maybe, isn't."
Drivers need to be mindful of children in the area and pay particular attention near schools, since children could dart from between vehicles at any time. Around crosswalks, drivers need to make sure their vehicles remain stopped until pedestrians have safely crossed the intersection.
Michalyshen said there are a few trouble spots near schools that come to mind. The crosswalk at Balmoral Street near Sister MacNamara School in the inner city and on Laxdal Road in Charleswood near Royal School are two busy crosswalks that have been a safety concern.
"Central and suburban areas -- there are no boundaries where congestion and things can happen."
Police are urging parents to teach their kids when and where it is safest to cross, and to follow the instruction of school patrols.
"As pedestrians -- children and adults -- whether it's a controlled intersection or just a basic crosswalk, before you step out on the roadway" make sure the traffic is stopping, Michalyshen said.
"Make eye contact with the driver of the vehicle coming your way -- extending your arm out. You don't have to make it a dramatic thing, just some indicator you're attempting to cross."
Until you've made eye contact, don't assume the driver will stop. "You never know -- you could be obstructed by signs or other vehicles on the roadway."
Children should visually scan potentially dangerous areas such as parking lots and driveways for vehicles.
Michalyshen said he's seen people running across busy roadways when there's a controlled crosswalk or traffic lights less than six metres away.
"Take the extra two or three minutes," he advised.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 7, 2010 A6
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