Heed caution on roadways as schools resume, advises Behrens - Urges Caution on Road Safety: Behrens' Statement Highlights Importance of Safe Driving
The new school year in Lower Saxony is upon us, with over 82,000 children set to start their educational journey this Saturday. Schools like the Friedrich-Ebert School in Hannover will welcome these young learners.
Amidst the excitement, the importance of traffic safety near schools cannot be overstated. In recent years, three children have tragically lost their lives on the school route in Hannover. To address this concern, authorities are urging extra caution on the roads.
Minister of the Interior Daniela Behrens (SPD) has called for stricter adherence to speed limits, reduced distractions, and enhanced child safety. Drivers will be closely monitored in the coming weeks, with a focus on these areas.
In an effort to promote safer school routes, Mayor Belit Onay (Greens) has been actively involved, even accompanying primary school students in Hannover. The intention is to prevent traffic jams and dangerous situations near schools, ensuring a smooth and safe start to the school day.
To achieve this, several initiatives and recommendations have been proposed. Parents and children are encouraged to cross streets only at designated crosswalks, wear reflective clothing, and receive education about traffic rules. Drivers, on the other hand, are expected to strictly adhere to speed limits, be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists, and follow local laws regarding school buses.
Community initiatives also play a crucial role. Infrastructure improvements, safety audits, and education campaigns are essential to creating a safer environment for children. Local laws and regulations, such as distracted driving laws and helmet laws for bicyclists, should also be adhered to.
In Hannover, a newly established parent pick-up point has been implemented to prevent traffic jams and dangerous situations near schools. Children can safely exit the car and walk the rest of the way from the pick-up point.
The action "Little Feet - Safer School Route: To School on Foot Whenever Possible" has been marking safe routes to school with yellow markings on sidewalks for 25 years.
As we embark on this new school year, it's crucial to remember that the safety of our children is paramount. By working together, parents, drivers, and communities can create safer school routes, enhancing overall traffic safety and community well-being.
- The community has implemented an employment policy to ensure that traffic safety officers are hired and positioned near schools during the peak hours of school drop-offs and pick-ups, to enforce traffic laws and educate drivers on the importance of children's safety.
- In line with the health-and-wellness and education-and-self-development pillars of community policy, schools like the Friedrich-Ebert School in Hannover will incorporate traffic safety education into their curriculum, teaching children about road safety, specially during their school journey.
