Canby Police Department

Press Release

August 18th, 2010 10:32 PM

Canby Back to School Safety Checklist

In the coming weeks, parents and students will be getting ready to go back to school. Many students will receive a checklist of supplies they will need for the new school year. Teachers, students, parents and school buses will all be back on the road so we need to think of a safety checklist as we move throughout school zones. If your mode of transportation includes a car, bike, or travel on foot this checklist applies to you.

• Drive the speed limit - 20 miles per hour in all school zones.
• Drive or ride with lights on or wear reflective clothing - be visible.
• Travel without distractions - cell phones, food, grooming, changing the radio station or CD.
• Watch for people crossing the street, getting out of cars or coming out from between parked cars.
• For bike and pedestrian commuters keep your head up and avoid large hats or hoods in addition to your helmet that can limit side vision.
• Be a positive role model, wear your seat belt or helmet every time.

Reports have shown that even minimal increases in speed have a big impact on injuries to pedestrians. In crashes involving pedestrians when the estimated vehicle speed was 20 miles per hour or less, the crashes ended in a fatality only 1% of the time. However, when the vehicle speed was estimated to be 25-30 miles per hour, the fatality rate was more than 6%. Just 5 miles per hour can make a huge difference in injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.

While the start of a new school year can be exciting, it is also an adjustment for the people who travel in and around school zones each day. Remember this safety checklist and keep school zones safe for everyone.