CAA Saskatchewan is offering some back to school safety advice (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Driving Safety

CAA offers drivers advice as kids head back to school

Aug 29, 2019 | 3:25 PM

The start of school is right around the corner and CAA Saskatchewan is reminding drivers of their roadway lessons.

Christine Niemczyk, director of corporate communications and public relations for CAA, said September is a dangerous month for younger pedestrians in Canada according to data from Transport Canada.

“The highest number of pedestrian deaths nationally for children under the age of 14 is in the month of September,” she said.

Niemczyk said CAA completed a national survey of 800 parents which included parents in Saskatchewan. The survey found 92 per cent of respondents reported seeing drivers engaging in bad driving behaviors. This is an increase from 2017, when the survey found 86 per cent of parents reporting poor behavior. According to CAA, the most common reported bad practices included speeding and illegal parking.

Heading into the school year, Niemczyk said they want to remind drivers to remember there are other people on the roads and to give themselves time.

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“Don’t rush; it’s best to just take your time,” she said.

Along with advice for drivers, Niemczyk said pedestrians also need to stay safe. This includes crossing at safe locations and ensuring drivers are aware of their presence.

Staying aware in school zones during non-school hours is important, Niemczyk said, as families still access school buildings and playgrounds during those times.

“Kids and their families are not just using school grounds during a typical school day. The parks are used for soccer, service clubs are using the school area after school is out, there are morning and after school programs,” she said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn