It’s that time of year again when kids are going back to school, the days are getting shorter, and the weather will begin to turn. This time of year we need to be extra cautious while travelling as there are additional hazards caused by these factors.
Whether travelling by car, public transit, cycling, walking, or taking an alternative form of transportation it is important to be alert and aware of the people around you and your surroundings. Regardless of how you are travelling, always follow the rules of the road. Put down your coffee and your phone, and pay attention to what you are doing! Distractions can lead to catastrophic events.
As a pedestrian or cyclist, stay in well-lit areas wherever possible. Use appropriate crosswalks when
crossing the street and make sure you are visible to vehicle traffic. Make sure you can adequately
see and hear what is going on around you. Just because you are not operating a motorized vehicle,
does not mean you don’t have responsibilities for safety.
Watch out for the kids! It is the law that you stop in either direction for stopped school buses and
crosswalks. Remember to slow down in school zones and check your blind spots often. Expect
the unexpected! Children may cross the street in the wrong place or walk into the road when they
shouldn’t.
Be prepared for changing conditions. Fall may bring significant swings in temperature which can
affect road conditions. Darkness and inclement weather can affect visibility. Regardless of how you
are travelling, it is important to prepare for various situations. Having warm clothing, adequate
lighting, and properly maintained equipment will help you stay safe as we transition to fall and winter.