Tuesday is the first day back to school in Saskatchewan. Medavie Health Services is reminding parents and drivers to act with extra care as the kids head back. Public Affairs Director Troy Davies says the added congestion on the roads coupled with the limited experience of younger children with traffic, along with being easily distracted, means drivers need to be extra cautious and patient. Medavie advises: Be aware of school zone signage and slow down, be ready to stop at all times, try to make eye contact with kids crossing the road, be patient, and stop when directed to do so by a crossing guard.

Medavie Health Services West also has the following safety tips for parents:

– Plan your route in advance – choose the most direct way to school or the bus stop (with the fewest street crossings and intersections with crossing guards wherever possible).
“Practice with your children – walk the route in the days before school, pointing out potential dangers and highlighting safe practices.
– At intersections – teach them to Stop, Look and Listen for traffic; to walk instead of run, and to use the buddy system, if possible.
– At the bus stop – make sure children understand the importance of standing far back from the bus when waiting and crossing the street so the driver can see them.
– For emergencies – teach children their address, phone number and that of another trusted adult, and how to call 911 for help in an emergency.