Students Hit the Streets For Summer Break

Friday, 30 June 2017 at 07:59

Expect more pedestrian traffic in Oxford County as students begin celebrating their summer freedom.

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock Police are preaching safety as we get set for the busy summer season.

Most students are finished school for the year and motorists need to be mindful of them while they are out and about this summer. Constable Nikki VanLeeuwen tells Heart FM they are also encouraging crime prevention for students who will be riding their bikes this summer.

"We usually have an increase in bike thefts in the summer so we want people to be careful, be diligent, and make sure you are locking your bike up no matter where you are going. We have a lot of people who will set their bike down, even downtown to go into a store, and when they come back out their bike is gone."

VanLeeuwen says they are also talking about bike safety and encouraging everyone to always wear a helmet.

Bike Safety Tips:

- Obey the rules of the road.

- Always wear a helmet.

- Wear bright-coloured or reflective clothing while riding.

- Always ride with traffic – never against it.

- Parents should be aware of where their children are going.

Pedestrian Safety:

- Cross only at marked crosswalks or traffic lights. Don't cross in the middle of the block or between parked cars.

- Make sure drivers see you before you cross. If the driver is stopped, make eye contact before you step into the road.

- Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips, especially at dusk or when it's dark.

At a traffic light:

- Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop.

- Begin to cross at the start of the green light or “Walk” signal, where provided.

- Do not start to cross if you see a flashing “Do Not Walk” symbol or the light turns yellow. If you already started to cross, complete your crossing in safety.

- Never cross on a red light.

- Watch for traffic turning at intersections or turning into and leaving driveways.

Driving Safety:

- Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning.

- Watch for children. Drive slowly and cautiously through school zones, residential areas, or any other area where children could be walking or playing.

- Watch out for Community Safety Zone signs that indicate areas where public safety is a special concern, including the possibility of encountering pedestrians.

- Be patient, especially with seniors or pedestrians with disabilities who need more time to cross the road.

- Drive carefully near buses or zones for passengers getting on and off.