With most students returning to class this week, Manitoba RCMP are reminding parents, caregivers and motorists to take the necessary precautions to ensure students stay safe.

For motorists, road safety is paramount – particularly in areas around schools. It is up to motorists to do everything they can to ensure the safety of those around them when driving in school zones. This includes:

  • Watching for lower speed limits. During the school year, the posted speed limit around many Manitoba schools is reduced to 30 km/h. If driving past a school where the speed limit is not reduced, drivers should still be cautious and slow down, as there’s a greater likelihood that children will be getting in and out of vehicles in these areas.
  • Look out for crossing guards. If they signal for you to stop, do so. They are working to bring order to street crossings so that everyone remains safe.
  • Stay alert and don’t drive distracted. Put the cellphone down and keep your attention on what’s in front of you at all times.
  • Always stop for buses when they are displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop sign. Students boarding or getting off the bus could unexpectedly be crossing the street right in front of your vehicle, so motorists must stop to mitigate any risk of harm. As a reminder, the fine for passing a stopped school bus that has its flashing lights on is $670.

Additionally, parents and caregivers are encouraged to talk to their children about basic tips to stay safe when walking or riding to school. This includes:

  • walking the safest route to school or the bus stop,
  • walking on the sidewalk or away from the roadway,
  • putting devices away and be alert when walking,
  • wearing fitted helmets if riding a bike or scooter to school,
  • crossing at marked crossings or crosswalks and following the crossing guard’s directions.

Of course, road safety is only part of the equation for keeping students safe. A considerable part of time is now spent online. Some tips to discuss ahead of the return to school include:

  • Have regular conversations about online safety. This includes talking about the online games your kids are playing, the apps they’re using, and who they are chatting with. For tips on how to get the discussion started, visit protectkidsonline.ca for age appropriate ideas.
  • Set the expectation you will monitor your child’s online activities and work together to establish guidelines around texting, social media, live streaming, and gaming, such as who your child can do these things with and on what apps.
  • Become familiar with or revisit the parental controls on computers, phones, and tablets. Some devices allow parents to limit access to specific apps, social media sites, internet content, and features available within the device.
  • Tell your child that if they come across something or someone while chatting/messaging/texting that makes them feel uncomfortable, they can tell you without fear of getting in trouble or losing online privileges. Remind them that their safety is what is most important to you.

Finally, some of the oldest advice remains relevant today. Remind children to not talk to strangers, don’t accept rides from people without consulting with a parent or caregiver first (even if the child knows the individual) and walk in groups with friends or relatives whenever possible.

Keeping students safe is a responsibility that all of us share. Driving safely and ensuring your child knows what to do – whether it be on the walk to school or while surfing online – will go a long way towards ensuring students have a safe and productive school year.