(ST. JOHN’S, NL) – September 5, 2017 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) would like to remind the public that the 2017-2018 school year will be beginning this week in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. At this time the RNC is asking parents to review the following back to school safety tips with their children:

• • Educate your children on the proper use of crosswalks. Use a marked crosswalk whenever possible and wait for traffic to stop completely before crossing the street.
  • Whenever possible walk your children to the bus stop or school and supervise them while they wait for the bus. Encourage your child to walk to and from school or the bus stop with friends.
  • While boarding a school bus, line up in single file and wait on the sidewalk until the bus has come to a full complete stop and has opened the doors.

• Motorists are asked to use extra care and caution in school zones.

• Motorists are also reminded that it is illegal to pass a school bus that is stopped with its stop sign extended and lights flashing.  The fine for passing a school bus is $500 and 6 demerit points.

 

The RNC will be stepping up patrols of our school zones and will be paying particular attentions to school safety zones over the coming weeks and months to ensure the safety of students returning to schools throughout our region. We are also reminding motorists of the dangers of driving while distracted by mobile phones.

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Cst. Geoffrey G. Higdon #819
Media Relations / Social Media Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
1 Fort Townshend, St. John’s, NL, A1C-2G2
Twitter: @RNC_PoliceNL
Facebook: RoyalNewfoundlandConstabulary
709-729-8658