Facts
When moving on the roads, it is always important to be observant and careful, especially when it comes to the safety of our children. A common sight on our streets and in our neighborhoods are school patrols, usually dressed in bright orange coats, working to protect children walking to school by ensuring they can cross the road safely.
School patrols, mostly made up of older students, teachers, or volunteers from the local community, exist to provide an extra level of safety for children who need to cross busy streets. It is important to understand that school patrols act as an additional link between drivers and pedestrians.
Although a school patrol cannot force you to stay, always remember to show respect for their role. You have an obligation to give way to pedestrians at unattended pedestrian crossings. So stop, wait and let the school patrol assess and check the situation before continuing.
Remember that when you see someone with an orange coat at a pedestrian crossing, it is a person's responsibility to ensure that children can cross the road safely. They provide an extra level of security and communication. They have a direct line with the children and can immediately alert them to a potential danger. When you are in your car, you do not have the direct contact and cannot immediately communicate if a threat is detected.
Of course, safety always comes first when driving, but being aware of and respecting the work that a school patrol does can mean the difference between a safe trip to school and a potential danger. As a driver, it's up to you to protect and respect the valuable role that school patrols play every day in our communities.
Show your appreciation to the school patrols by always following their instructions and being prepared to stop if necessary. It is not only a sign of respect, but also helps to keep the safety of our children a top priority. No trip is so urgent that it is worth risking a child's safety. Be aware, be cautious, and be respectful of your local school patrol.
