Several times a week, in front of the primary school where I work, I see parents dropping off their children. Then make a U-turn in speed, ignoring the safety of other child walkers.
A few weeks ago, a young schoolgirl was hit by a bicycle while heading towards her school bus, although it was stationary with the STOP sign clearly visible.
More motorists and a cyclist in too much of a hurry, too in a hurry to respect the Road Safety Code.
The problem is that we are all in a hurry, more and more distracted while driving…
When the little Ukrainian girl was hit by a driver on the way to school, more than a year ago, I was outraged, but not surprised. We are reminded of the dangers present around our schools every year. However, motorists near our schools rarely respect the speed limits…
Negligent drivers do not seem to be concerned by these calls for caution: they are in a hurry.
Tell that to the parents of young Liam, who was cut down at an intersection in Saint-Henri after leaving his day camp a few years ago. Explain this to the parents of little Mariia, newly arrived from Ukraine, fatally struck on the way to her reception class in Montreal by a motorist who did not stop…
Your calls and texts can wait. You can slow down and take your time to respect the Highway Safety Code.
If the priority was really our children, we would act accordingly… and on many issues!
I therefore invite the police to double patrols and fines handed out to offending drivers, especially in front of our schools when children enter and leave.
Projects such as school streets, which promote the closure of the school street before students enter and leave, should be implemented in the city. According to Radio-Canada, studies prove that schools that implement this practice not only have a safer environment, but also more students who walk or bike to class. A healthier living environment, centered on the safety and sense of community that should surround our elementary schools.
I’m very tired of seeing flowers next to photos of children and white bikes on the roads of Montreal…
If the good conscience of ensuring the safety of others is not enough to make drivers in a hurry change, I advocate a more punitive and more effective approach. At the end of this school year full of outings and excitement, let’s be more vigilant.
The money raised through these measures could be used to widen the sidewalks near our schools. Let’s combine business with pleasure!