KINGSTON, Jamaica — With schools set to reopen for the new school term in a few days, motorists are being urged to take additional safety precautions as they make their back-to-school preparations.

According to Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Relations at the Island Traffic Authority (ITA), Dontae Matthews, roadways are more congested during this period.

“The new school year is upon us and with that a lot of parents and family members will be going out on the roads some with their children to get new uniforms, school shoes and books. With that, they will be in public spaces while they are out and about on the roads and if they don’t practise road safety, that can be detrimental,” he said.

Matthews advised that safety in all public spaces should be observed at all times. Vigilance should also be practised in parking lots, as well as roadways.

“For example, when they are in the parking lot, they need to look out for other road users. You need to be looking in your mirrors to ensure you are going in the right spot and are not too close to other vehicles. Also, ensure there are no children playing around in the space, because it is still summer, so children may be out playing in the area,” he said.

“We want to encourage you to check around your vehicles, because children like to play around vehicles. Also, let (children) know it is not OK to be playing around vehicles, especially in parking lots, because vehicles are moving,” he added.

Matthews is also encouraging parents and guardians to be careful when carrying packages.

“A lot of parents and guardians buy items in bulk and based on the establishment, there may be insufficient parking spaces. They might be walking with heavy bags and boxes that may obstruct their view while walking and they don’t realise that they have stepped off the sidewalk and walked out into the roadway,” he noted.

When going out to make purchases, he urged persons to make an early start on these errands to avoid crowds.

“You are competing with other persons who are in the space trying to get the same things. If you leave out late and you have several stops, you are going to be rushing to get to the other locations (which may cause accidents),” he said.

Matthews cautioned against the practice of leaving children unattended in vehicles, particularly the practice of leaving children in cars with the engine running.

“If you do that, the child who is curious can start the vehicle, or play around with the controls and that can cause a collision in the parking lot or wherever you are parked. In addition to being prone to suffocation in the vehicle, you do not want to leave children in the vehicle while conducting business,” he said.

Noting that numerous orientation sessions will be held before the start of the school term, he urged motorists and guardians to work with the children to become acquainted with the school area, traffic signs and signals.

“When you are going to that new school, ensure you show (children) how to (use the roadways in the area). Teach your children how to use the roadway in the school area. Teach your children how to use the pedestrian crossing and sidewalk in the school area, how to obey the warden and how to cross the road looking right, then left then right again,” Matthews said.

The ITA official adds that all motorists should exercise care while transporting children by adhering to speed limits, especially on main roads. He also urges parents and guardians to wear seatbelts and to encourage children to put on seatbelts as well.

“Observe the stop signs. If you are driving in school zones, remember to cut your speed, because children will be in the area,” he said.

“For motorists that will be transporting children, whether public or private vehicles, ensure that you are not distracted while driving. Stop at stop signs, ensure the vehicle is not overloaded and ensure that children sit properly in the back seats as well. If they are under four feet, they should be on the back seat. For children over four feet, they can sit in the front seat, but ensure they are wearing seatbelts,” Matthews said.

“Children should not be travelling in trunks. And for motorists generally, we encourage them not to overtake at unsafe places and to look out for pedestrians,” he added.

Matthews is reminding motorists not to use cellphones while driving, as this is a breach of the law, and is a distraction that can cause accidents.

He is also urging pedestrians not to cross the road while using their cellphones.

“Stop in an area free from the traffic environment to complete your phone conversation. Stay clear from vehicular traffic to avoid accidents caused by distractions,” he urged.

— JIS