Parkland Ambulance says in a news release that traveling to and from school is one of the most dangerous activities for children, because they aren’t supervised by parents or teachers, and they may forget the basic rules and dart out into traffic. In light of today (Thurs) being the first day of school Parkland Ambulance spokesperson, Lyle Karasiuk reminds students to cross only at the corner, looking both ways. Walk on the sidewalk and ride your bike on the street in the direction of traffic. If you have to ride on the sidewalk, yield to those who are walking, and don’t forget to wear you helmets. When it comes to riding a school bus, the advice to parents is to make sure your children know what to do if they miss the bus: come back home, or if at school, report to a teacher, and never accept a ride from a stranger.

The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute is highlighting pedestrian safety as the school year begins. The organization cites that children who are walking are most often hurt in the months of September through November, during the after school hours from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The SPI says the most recent data indicates pedestrian-related injuries resulted in about 29 hospitalizations of children and youth each year. The Institute advises to educate children, caregivers and the community about pedestrian safety and increase awareness of reduced speed limits in school zones.