Summer Safety Tips From Woodstock Police

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Friday, 28 June 2019 07:17

Summer can be a fun time of year, but the message is clear from Woodstock Police, play safely and you can play again.

WOODSTOCK - The Woodstock Police wants to make everyone enjoys their summer break.

They offer a number of safety and crime prevention tips that kids can follow on their summer break.

Community Service Officer, Shaylyn Jackson says children must be safe on the roads.

"So some of the key things for sure are if people are using bikes, scooters or skateboards or any sort kind of means of self-propelled transportation, it's really important that they obey the rules of the road and that they wear proper-fitting safety equipment whether that'd be helmet, footwear, any kind of shins or knee guards or elbow guards etc. We want to prevent any sort of injury or emergency situations and that is a great way to keep your kids safe, as well as yourself."

Jackson adds it's also safe to be wearing, bright reflective clothing while riding their bike to make it easier for anyone who is using the road to identify them.

She says you should also not post pictures of your vacation on social media, which puts your home at risk for unwanted guests.

She says the police want everyone to enjoy their summer break and be safe.

"Obviously the summertime is a time where a lot of people are on vacation or they're outside and it's really important that everyone stays safe this summer, not just children but adults and everyone in between."

Other safety and crime prevention tips this summer include:

Pedestrian Safety
- Cross only at marked crosswalks or traffic lights– NOT 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 onto the road.
- Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips, especially at dusk or when it's
dark.
- At a traffic light:
o Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop.
o Begin to cross at the start of the green light or “Walk” signal, where provided.
o 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 safety.
o Never cross on a red light.
- Watch for traffic turning at intersections or turning into and leaving driveways.

Driving Safety: Pay special attention to pedestrians as you drive.
- Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning.
- Watch for children. Drive slowly and cautiously through school zones, residential areas,
parks 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.
- Always ensure all children are secured properly in their seat with a seatbelt.
- Do not drive with more passengers than a vehicle is designed for, even if they “fit”.

Hot Cars
- Never leave children or pets in the car unattended, even for short periods of time or with
windows open.
- Make sure young children’s car seats are not hot before securing them in. Infants can
suffer from burns easier than adults.