Police and emergency medical service urge safety talk ahead of new school year
Latvia's State Police and the Emergency Medical Service are urging children and adults to review key traffic safety rules as the new school year begins and city traffic becomes busier. The agencies highlight common accident causes and offer specific precautions.
As the new school year begins, Latvia's State Police and the Emergency Medical Service (NMPD) are calling on both children and adults to once again go over the most important road safety rules. The agencies note that once students return to school after summer break, traffic in cities becomes noticeably busier, making the first weeks of September a period requiring extra vigilance as everyone adjusts to a new daily routine.
Common causes of accidents
According to the agencies, most incidents happen when pedestrians cross the street in an unauthorized spot, at an intersection, or against a red light, as well as when people rush across the road right after getting off public transport without checking it is safe. Serious injuries also frequently occur from falls off bicycles or scooters.
Advice for parents and drivers
Drivers are urged to slow down near schools. Parents are advised to talk with their children about correctly crossing streets, to plan the safest route to school, and to remind children to use reflectors during hours of darkness. Railway tracks should only be crossed at designated points, always after making sure no train is approaching.
The police and NMPD also warn against using phones or listening to music while walking, as this distracts from traffic and creates added danger. Students are advised not to run across roads or push each other around, to avoid endangering themselves and others.
