PSNI Issue Safety Warning As New School Year Begins

The PSNI has issued a warning for parents and road users to plan ahead for heavier traffic as the new school year begins.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: "As the new academic term begins, it is essential that all road users remain focused on their driving, plan their journey and leave plenty of time as there will be delays. Most importantly, drivers should keep an eye out for children and young people on bicycles or on foot, particularly when close to schools, junctions and at bus stops.

"Parents should ensure that high visibility clothing and bags are worn and carried by children and that road safety instruction is given, in particular, how to cross the road safely – looking both ways without being distracted by friends, mobile phones or music players. Pupils should also only cross where it is safe, preferably at pedestrian crossings."

The Assistant Chief Constable also appealed for parents carrying out the school run to slow down and ensure that they stay well within the speed limits and that children travelling to school in cars are properly restrained, warning: "In a crash at just 30mph, an unrestrained child can be thrown forward with a force 30 to 60 times their body weight.

"This means that they would be thrown about inside the vehicle, injuring them and quite possibly seriously injuring or even killing other passengers. They are also likely to be ejected from the car through one of the windows.

"Police will be paying special attention close to schools in the first few weeks of term and where offences are noted, whether for speeding, inappropriate parking around schools or allowing children to travel unrestrained, will be issuing advice, guidance, warning and when appropriate, fixed penalty tickets which carry three penalty points."

(CD/MH)