(By the Broadcast Center News Team)
Tuesday, September 7, 2010

With students back to class this week, kids and parents need to be cautious when it comes to school zones.

The BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation is raising awareness about the dangers involved with traffic and going back to school.

Linda Lawlor with BCAA says there are several things students can do to stay safe travelling to school.

"Make sure they (the students) give eye contact with the drivers when they are crossing. Also, make sure they cross at crosswalks; if it's a controlled crosswalk, even better," Lawlor says. "Also, make sure that they aren't running between parked cars and that they are getting out of the parent or caregivers car on the sidewalk side."

Lawlor adds that one of the best ways to keep your children safe is to advise them to expect the unexpected.

Children shouldn't use their phones or listen to music while using crosswalks, as that can increase the child's risk of being struck by a vehicle to 33 percent.

School zones are in effect from 8 am until 5 pm.