Loading...
The Times Advocate, 2007-08-15, Page 11Wednesday, August 15, 2007 Times -Advocate 11 Getting safely to school and home again OTTAWA - Canada Safety Council would like to remind parents to instill safety rules in their children in order to have them travel to and from school safely. Take the time to know the rules and educate your chil- dren about safe conduct when using and sharing road- ways, whether it be by school bus, car, bicycle or by foot. School Bus Travel Research conducted by Transport Canada shows that school bus travel is one of the safest methods of trans- portation. It is 16 times safer than travelling in a fami- ly car. Although school buses have an excellent safety record, mishaps can happen. These mishaps can include instances where children are injured while rid- ing on the bus. It is more common however, for injuries to be sustained once outside the bus, including being hit by their own school bus or other vehicles. Parents should know that they are responsible for their children until they step on to the bus and imme- diately after they exit the bus. An adult should always be there to send off young passengers and to greet them, on the same side of the street where children exit the bus. Here are some safety tips to share with children to ensure safe travel. Outside of the school bus children must: 1. Arrive at the designated bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pick up time. Do not wander off or get into mischief. If you miss the bus, go back home or if you are at school, report to a teacher. Never accept a ride from a stranger. 2. Be seen in the dark on the way to and from the bus. Use retro -reflective tape or other methods to make sure you are clearly visible to motorists. 3. Know to wait for the school bus well away from the roadway and stay back until the bus has come to a full stop and the door opens. 4. Use the handrail when boarding or exiting the bus. When getting off the bus take two large steps away from the bus. If you must walk in front of the bus, walk ahead at least three metres (10 giant steps). The driver must be able to see you and will give a sig- nal when it is safe to cross. Cross in a single file. 5. Never pick up anything off the ground, outside of the bus. Tell the driver or an adult. 6. Go straight home with no detours. You should know of a few places on the way home, which you can use in the event of an emergency. Inside the school bus, children must: 1. Never run, push, shout, throw things or fight in or around the bus. Never stick anything out of the win- dow, including arms or heads. 2. Take their seats promptly and sit facing forward. Place knapsacks under the seat. feet or knapsacks sticking out in the aisle can trip someone. Do not stand up until the bus has come to a full stop at the final destination. 3. Talk quietly so that the driver can concentrate on driving. 4. Save food for snack time at school or until you get home. There is a danger of choking and the driver may not be able to immediately help you in an emer- gency. By Car Parents must respect their child's school safety mea- sures for dropping off and picking Terry Fox Run upcoming Annual run next month — Organizers are preparing for the annual Exeter Terry Fox Run, which this year takes place Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at MacNaughton Park for walking and running, with a course in town for biking and rollerblading.The Terry Fox Run started in Exeter in 1982 with 78 participants and raised $1,834.95; in 2006, 164 participants raised $8,696.18 for cancer research for a 26 -year total of $108,916.22 in the Exeter run. Exeter organizer Ann DeVries says the run is based on Fox's dream that everyone can make a difference, one step at a time.The organization has low overhead to put the greatest per- centage of money possible back into cancer research. This year will be the last year participants can buy the Terry Fox T shirts; in the future, they will have to be ordered at www.terryfoxrun.org. DeVries, seen above holding this year's T-shirt, said this year's Exeter run will feature a family group of about 65 dedicating their run to a family member and calling the day "Len's Day." DeVries encourages Exeter to make this year the best year so far. New this year will be a "Terry Fox at Work Day," which will be held as the "Great Canadian Head Shave." Businesses across Canada will hold cancer fundraising events Sept. I4.The event was a big success in Alberta last year, DeVries says, and now the rest of the country can participate. For more information on the Exeter Terry Fox Run, contact Ann DeVries at 235-0949 or 235-1298. (photo/Scott Nixon) up their children at school. Every effort must be made to avoid colli- sion and injury by refraining to cre- ate hazardous situations of traffic congestion and unsafe practices within the school zone. The possi- ble remedies may include a one way traffic system in front of the schools, enforcement of speed limits, a des- ignated area for stop and go, a sys- tem of adult accompaniment to the school and a respect for protocol designed for signing students in and out. By Bicycle To ride a bicycle to and from school, children must be mature enough (minimum nine - 12 years old), and must have enough experience. The rider must be able to scan ahead and check behind without swerving. In 2005, Transport Canada found that 93 children, nine - 14 years old were involved in bicycle collisions that result- ed in serious injuries. Two 10 year old cyclists were involved in fatal incidents. To ensure safe cycling, young cyclists must: 1. Wear a properly fitted helmet, and have clothes that are suited for cycling (eg. their pants tucked in). 2. Have their bikes fitted properly and in good work- ing order. The bike should have a regular mainte- nance check-up and should have a bell. It is also a good idea to have a safety flag. 3. Know and obey all traffic rules, signs and signals. They must signal turns and stops. They must ride in a straight line in the same direction as traffic and stop at every stop sign. 4. Be predictable to other road users by riding with the traffic usually on the right hand side of the road- way. 5. Never ride in the dark. if an older child must ride in the dark, make sure that reflective clothing and night -accessories (eg. reflectors and lights) are used. By Foot Many children use roadways to make their way to and from school. Parents must review road safety rules with their children and the importance of not accepting rides or any invitations from strangers. It is best to walk with a buddy and keep focused on getting straight home. The 2005 report by Transport Canada showed that a total of 212 pedestrian children, ages five - 14 were seriously injured and a total of 17 pedestrian children were killed in collisions. To keep safe on roads children pedestrians must: 1. Use a safe, direct route. Hazards should be iden- tified ie. train tracks, busy intersections. 2. Whenever possible stay on sidewalks. With no sidewalk available use the left side of the road facing traffic. 3. Cross streets only at corners and learn to look to the left, the right and then left again before proceed- ing. Special attention must be given to vehicles com- ing to full stops as well as the danger of vehicles turn- ing on red lights. Respect and obey the directions of crossing guards. Prevention is the key to safety. With education and awareness, all children should be able to get safely to school and home again. Take the time to share these valuable rules and tips with your children. Transport Canada Road Safety Fish fry to be held on Aug. 18 By Liz Sangster ZURICH CORRESPONDENT HENSALL - The Hensall Fish Fry will be held on Aug. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hensall Community Centre. Tickets are $12. Proceeds go to Habitat For Humanity (Hensall Build). This event is sponsored by the Hensall Community Development Action Committee. For tickets phone Kay at 262-2050 or Marietta at 262-2207. At Hensall United Church Ken Elder was the greeter. Lillian Beer and Kay Mock were the ushers with Bill Gibson playing the piano. Rev Lewis' message was "Under The Cross". The service closed with benediction and choral amen. Carrie Percy, an elementary school teacher from Cambridge WANTED! 7 HOMES THAT NEED ROOFING 7 homes in your area will be given the opportunity of having an INTERLOCK metal roofing system installed on their home at a reasonable cost. This lifetime product is capturing the interest of homeowners across the country who want to know this will be the last time they will have to re -roof their home. Our product is environmentally friendly and comes with a transferable Lifetime Limited Warranty with an excellent choice of colours to compliment your home and is going to be introduced to your local market. Your home can be a show place in your neighbourhood and we will make it worth your while if we can use your home. Please call Angelo: 1-866-601-7366 Toll -Free 24 hours 7 Days a week will visit the Hensall Library Aug. 21 at 4 p.m. The free author reading is for children ages six to 12. Percy will read from her new children's book "Ridley Bluefox and the Flying Fish of Fortune Falls" and host a fun filled activity with the children. T 1 M E S A D V 0 c A T E S E R V c E S FAX SERVICE SENDING & RECEIVING PRICES START AT s1 •BBIpage FAX# 519-235-0766 TIMES ADVOCATE 424 Main St., Exeter • 519-235-1331 PP IHSS - SI¢7CHPADS - GRAPHIC & TECHNICAL PENCIL SETS - CHARCOAL & WATERCOLOUR PENCILS - PASTELS - INSTRUCTIONBOOKS TIMES -ADVOCATE 424 Main St., Exeter • 519-235-1331 BOOKS • Children's • Adult's • History • Sports Great Selection o TIMES -ADVOCATE 519-235-1331 SUBSCRIPTIONS to the Exeter Times Advocate Canada 842.00 + GST 1 yr. 875.44 + GST 2 yr. Call 519-235-1331 We accept VISA or MC to on. by phone. TIMES -ADVOCATE 424 Main St., Exeter 519-235-1331 Quality Tgesettnn "Set" to your specifications • Flyers • Resumes • Programs • Brochures • Booklets and more! fir more information contact Deb Lord at TIMES -ADVOCATE 519-235-1331 LAMINATING Licenses, Tags 812x11, 8"2x14, 11x17 while you wait • IAZE TAF", UP 10 24" WIPE Al2) AYAIIAB[E TIMES ADVOCATE 424 Main St., Exeter • 519-235-1331 PHOTOCOPIES Letter size, legal, 11x17 and double sided. Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. TIMES ADVOCATE 424 Main St., Exeter • 519-235-1331