They are barely larger than the knapsack they carry on their backs. And they are excited – after all, a whole new period of life begins. And for some, the path may not even be 100 percent: Around 1,200 girls and boys from the Höxter district has their very first day of school on Thursday, 30 August. By the next Friday at the latest, the little ones will go on the daily way to school. So that the police and traffic watch gives important tips.
On foot
Most children are at school. The youngsters did not only gain experience. “movement and fresh air before the lesson start also increase the ability to concentrate,” for example, informs the Höxter district police, but because they perceive their surroundings differently from adults, they are in traffic especially at risk.
Go the way up to ten times
The police advises parents to walk the path five to ten times with their offspring. Even at the beginning of school, the adults should still be there. “Because then there is more traffic than at holiday time,” says Oliver. Parents should not forget their role model role – especially with regard to traffic lights and crossing aid and the use of mobile phones.
Firstly, the police recommends that the children do not go to school in groups. “Until they are safe on the way to school and recognize danger spots,” says Thane, because alone, the little ones usually learned better and were less distracting. “Thereafter, nothing speaks against dating,” says the traffic expert. Especially in the dark season, Thane advises “reflective clothing.” Safety vests, reflectors, satchels or flashing shoes: “There are even reflective yarn, especially creative parents can knit hats.”
Police are present on the first days
In the first few days, the police will be present on the school routes. “Helping and educating people is at the forefront,” officials said in a statement announcing increased speed measurements and checks on child seats, bus and bicycle traffic.
By bicycle
By bike only older children should go to school. “It’s not until they’re 14 that the ability to ride safely develops,” the police said, adding that the ability to focus on road traffic over a longer period of time does not educate boys and girls until they are about eight years old.
Parental taxis should use parking in the area
“On the way back, things can be different”, Thane points out, so children could suddenly run across the street behind the bus, so the police are also calling for stopping school buses to “pass by in two directions at walking pace”.
By car
The most convenient way to get to school is certainly the parental taxi. If you bring your own child to school by car, you should not chauffeur it all the way to the schoolyard. “Due to the pressure of the vehicle, there is a high risk potential,” the city of Höxter informs on NW request: “Parking space in the area should be used for getting in and out.”