Parents urged to park safely at school drop-offs

ROTORUA 24.01.11: Rotorua District Council is urging parents dropping off and picking up kids from school to choose safety over convenience.

RDC road safety coordinator Jodie Lawson says with most local schools recommencing next week parents should exercise extra caution with their parking practices.

“Many parents are too concerned with getting their cars as close as possible to the school gate, often parking on berms, double parking and other unsafe practices.

“These scenarios can lead to blind spots between cars, which is dangerous as kids are unpredictable and can dart out at any given moment.

“Drivers also need to be aware of road patrol monitors as their vision can be obscured when cars park in spots they’re not supposed to.”

Ms Lawson also suggests parent consider healthier alternatives to getting children to and from school.

“Walking kids to school when the weather’s fine is not only a great way to deal with traffic chaos around schools but also provides an excellent opportunity to spend time talking with them and preparing them for the school day ahead.

“Walking school buses are another fun and environment-friendly way to get to school, not to mention a safe and healthy way for parents and children to get daily exercise.”

Schools interested in starting a new walking school bus can contact Rotorua District Council’s road safety administrator Natasja du Plessis on 07 351 8227 for more information.

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