Motorists across South Yorkshire encouraged to take 'greater care' on the roads this week
It's as the new academic year gets underway for many today in Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley, and Rotherham
Motorists across Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley & Rotherham are being urged to take 'extra care' on the roads this week.
It's as the new academic year starts today for many pupils in South Yorkshire, with some other youngsters returning early next week as well.
Joanne Wehrle from the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership is reminding drivers to be wary of this:
"There are some things that we'd expect drivers to do all the time.
"For example, avoid distractions whilst driving, don't go on your mobile phone at all and have your full focus and attention on the road.
"If you know you're driving past a school, just slow down anyway as a precautionary measure.
"A lot of the local authorities in South Yorkshire have already introduced extra measures outside of schools to reduce speed limits, which is great news for parents and children travelling to and from school."
Mrs. Wehrle also has this message for parents:
"This might be the first time your child has made an independent journey (if they're just starting secondary school) on a regular basis, so it's vital that parents talk to their children often about the dangers of distractions from mobile phones and peer pressure from friends.
"If at all possible, think about if you're taking your children to school, parking a little bit further away and walking that extra part of the journey.
"It gives you opportunities to put in road safety messages and lessons for your children as you're then walking to school, which could end up making all the difference for them."