The Sûreté du Québec and the Missing Children’s Network are urging parents and drivers to observe safety rules when thousands of Quebec children return to school in the upcoming weeks.
Parents are urged to go over safety with the children, especially when it comes to their daily commute to and from school. The Missing Children’s Network said that picking the safest route is paramount, along with reminding your child to avoid shortcuts and dimly-lit areas. They also recommend a buddy system so children don’t walk home alone, and playing through “what-if” scenarios to ensure your child knows what to do in a given situation.
“Create a trusting and open relationship with your child. Talk to him and listen attentively to his needs,” said the Network in a statement. “Remind him to never hesitate to confide anything that makes him feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.”
The SQ also urged drivers to be safe on the roads, noting that the fines and sanctions relating to school buses and school zones are steep. Driving 60 km/h in a 30 km/h zone will cost a driver two demerit points and a $105 fine, plus fees. A driver who passes or crosses a school bus whose red lights are flashing will lose nine demerit points, with a fine of $200 plus fees.
In a statement, the SQ said that patrollers will be especially vigilant in ensuring that the speed limits and school bus lights are respected in order to “assure the security of students who commute by foot, by bicycle or by bus.”
