Back to school, top safety tips

Over six years, the number of pupils in primary and secondary education has grown by more than 12%. Compared with last year, that’s around 2,200 additional pupils, a rise that plays out very directly on the streets, with more small pedestrians near schools, more bikes, and more cars dropping children off at the same times.

Plan the school run before term starts

The ACL and Sécurité Routière stress a point that’s often overlooked, the route shouldn’t be worked out on the first morning. It’s better to plan it with your child and walk it together several times beforehand, at their pace and to suit their abilities. Bear in mind that the shortest route isn’t necessarily the safest one. A short detour that avoids two crossings beats a risky straight line.

Parents set the example here, since children learn mainly by imitation. Make sure your child always gets out of the car on the pavement side, avoid waiting for them on the other side of the street, and make them visible with light-coloured clothing, a reflective vest or armbands. On a bike, a helmet is a must for both adult and child. These tips are covered in detail in the free brochure “La route, ça s’apprend”, available to download from www.securite-routiere.lu in French, German and English.

Crossing the road and spotting the risks

It’s best to keep the number of crossings to a minimum and stick to safer spots, traffic lights, underpasses or raised crossings, and pedestrian crossings. That said, these features don’t remove the need for vigilance. Even when a pedestrian has right of way as soon as they signal their intention to cross, they should wait until vehicles have come to a complete stop. Sécurité Routière recommends teaching children to make eye contact with drivers rather than relying blindly on the green light. If the lights turn red while they’re halfway across, they should carry on walking, without running.

The main danger remains crossing in poor visibility, before a bend or between parked cars. As this isn’t always avoidable, it’s worth learning together how to handle these situations, without forgetting vehicles pulling out of driveways and private car parks.

For pedestrians

• Always use the pavement or, failing that, the left-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
• Look left, right, then left again before stepping out.
• Make your intention to cross clear and wait for vehicles to come to a complete stop.
• Make yourself visible once dusk falls, with light-coloured clothing and reflective items.
• Put your phone away and take out your earphones before crossing.

For drivers

• Take extra care near schools and bus stops.
• Adjust your speed and be ready to brake at any moment.
• Remember that children’s small size makes them hard to spot, and they don’t always recognise danger.
• Keep a safe distance from cyclists and give them the room they need.

Police will be out in force

As every year, the Grand Ducal Police are expected to step up their presence around schools from the start of term, on hand to support teachers and parents while carrying out targeted checks. Speeding and obstructive parking traditionally top the list of priorities.

The whole ACL team wishes everyone a great start to the school year!