With children across Grande Prairie back in school, nothing could be more important than making sure they come home safely every day. A group of grade three students got some extra help today, as they visited Safety City to learn more about being safe around buses, on ATVs and their bicycles, and while walking to and from school. Executive Director Carla Boynes says their main focus is on getting children to make sure they’re seen.
“When you’re crossing the street, looking both ways and making eye contact with drivers. To the really young ones we say to always walk with an adult. [Parents] can also teach at home wearing their helmets safely and properly when they’re riding a bike; they shouldn’t be riding those bikes without wearing a helmet.”
Between 2010 and 2014, an average of more than 230 children under the age of 15 were killed or injured as pedestrians or cyclists in Alberta. Boynes says it’s smart to start teaching them about safety young.
“We really do want them being safer in their daily lives to prevent injuries and to save lives; ultimately that’s what it’s about. Once they learn at a young age, they’re going to take that with them throughout life and they’re also going to help their families out and their friends too.”
With children getting back into their school routine, Boynes adds it’s the right time of year to give them a refresher as well.
