Drive with care: Authorities urge caution as children return to schools during monsoon

Mangaluru: As schools reopen amid the monsoon season, authorities, parents and education officials have appealed to motorists to exercise extra caution near educational institutions to ensure the safety of children.

With new school bags, colourful umbrellas and water bottles slung over their shoulders, children have begun returning to classrooms after the holidays. However, officials have pointed out that the rainy season, combined with heavy traffic around schools, increases the risk of road accidents involving students.

Children often rush home after school, sometimes running through the rain without paying attention to traffic. The sound of heavy rainfall can also drown out vehicle horns, making roads even more hazardous. At a young age, many children may not fully understand traffic rules and can become distracted while walking with friends or crossing roads.

Authorities have stressed that even a moment of negligence by motorists could have life-altering consequences for families. Drivers have been urged to treat every child on the road as they would their own and to prioritise safety over speed.

Slow down in school zones

Motorists have been advised to reduce their speed to between 20 kmph and 30 kmph immediately after noticing school zone signboards. Lower speeds make it easier to stop the vehicle quickly if a child unexpectedly enters the road.

Avoid using mobile phones while driving

Drivers should refrain from speaking on mobile phones or checking messages while operating vehicles. Officials warned that even a few seconds of distraction could lead to serious accidents involving children.

Respect zebra crossings

Vehicles must stop at zebra crossings located near schools and allow children to cross the road safely before resuming their journey.

Avoid unnecessary honking

Motorists have been requested not to use loud horns near schools. Sudden, harsh sounds can frighten children, causing them to panic and run into traffic.

Watch for school buses and autorickshaws

Drivers should remain alert when school buses or autos stop, as children may be boarding or alighting. Authorities have cautioned motorists against overtaking such vehicles, as children may suddenly appear from the front or rear of the vehicle.

Exercise caution while reversing and parking

Extra care should be taken while reversing or parking near school gates. Due to their height, younger children may not be visible in blind spots.

Additional precautions during the monsoon

Officials have highlighted that waterlogged roads can conceal potholes and open drains, posing risks to children. Motorists have been advised to drive slowly and avoid splashing water onto pedestrians.

Schools have also been encouraged to appoint staff members or senior students as "traffic wardens" during the 30-minute periods before classes begin and after dismissal to assist children in crossing roads safely.

Separate pick-up and drop-off areas should be designated within school premises wherever possible. Authorities have recommended against dropping or collecting children directly from the roadside.

Parents, too, have been advised to leave home early instead of rushing to school at the last minute, as haste often leads to unsafe driving practices.

For those transporting children on two-wheelers, officials have stressed that children should always get on and off from the left side, towards the footpath, to minimise the risk of being struck by passing vehicles.

Education Department's recommendations

Dakshina Kannada Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) Shashidhar said awareness programmes have already been conducted in schools with the support of Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials.

"Educational institutions and parents should take note of the guidance provided during these programmes. Motorists should exercise caution while driving around schools and should not act in haste or lose patience," he said.

He added that it is not feasible to install speed breakers indiscriminately around all school premises and emphasised that motorists should follow the existing safety measures in place.

Parents bringing children to school in private vehicles were also advised to park at a distance rather than stopping directly in front of school gates and contributing to traffic congestion.

Police advisory

Ravishankar K., Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said all schools have been instructed to deploy staff members to help children cross roads safely near school premises.

"Traffic police personnel will be deployed only where absolutely necessary," he said.

He noted that ensuring children's safety is a shared responsibility involving parents, schools and the public.

The DCP also urged parents to make use of authorised school buses whenever possible and warned that action would be taken in coordination with the RTO against vehicles found transporting children in violation of safety norms.

Parents have a role to play

Lavanya Shaktinagar, a parent, said responsibility for children's safety rests heavily with parents until they reach school.

She emphasised that parents should teach children basic road safety rules from an early age, including how to cross roads carefully and avoid rushing.

According to her, schools located near busy roads should also appoint staff members to assist children in crossing safely.

Special instructions for parents and school vehicle drivers

Parents have been advised to teach children to walk on the left side of the road and to look both ways before crossing.

Officials also recommended the use of brightly coloured bags or clothing, which can help drivers spot children from a distance, especially during rainy conditions.

School auto-rickshaw and van drivers have been instructed not to carry more children than the permitted capacity and to ensure that student safety remains their top priority.