The 111 Files: Focus on road safety - school's in

Now school is back, be careful driving around schools.

I was fortunate enough to enjoy a relaxing break at the beach these past couple of weeks. But as my holiday drew to an end, my mind started drifting back to work.

While driving home from the beach I made a mental list of the things that needed to be done - at home and work.

This coming week sees the return to school for many secondary school students, with most primary schools starting the week after.

Large numbers of students will again be walking and cycling to school, which will require all of us to make some adjustments. Streets that had been free of students for last two months will be busy again, requiring all of us to be more vigilant.

Like us all returning from holiday, it might take a bit of time for the students to get out of holiday mode and into school mode again. As every parent knows, safety is not always top of mind for children and teenagers.

Here are some things that will help with this transition:

-Talk with your children and remind them about road safety; if you have young children, practise walking to school and using pedestrian crossings.

-Let your children know where you will pick them up after school; and have a plan in place in case you are late.

-Let them know who will pick them up in your absence.

-Follow the road rules when dropping off and picking up your children.

-Don't park on yellow lines or adjacent to pedestrian crossings, as this obscures the view of the young road patrollers. Instead, park around the corner and walk with your child.

-Be aware of the speed zones around schools and be prepared to stop suddenly. Children can get distracted and forget about the need to check both ways before crossing the road.

-Remember that the speed limit is 20km/h when passing a school bus stopped on the side of the road. This applies when travelling in either direction.

-If your teenager is driving to school, remind him or her of the conditions of a learner or restricted driver's licence.

Road Policing staff will be highly visible, with stationary and mobile patrols around schools during the next few weeks to help keep everyone safe.