The police will perform intensive monitoring of driving speeds between 8 and 10 August 2018, particularly in the neighbourhood of schools, and otherwise ensure safety when pupils return to school in weeks 32 to 33, depending on the school starting dates.
The police would like to remind the public that adults should walk through the school route with their children before the school year begins.
“A child gains a better idea of the school route and its possible dangers when he or she walks through it in the company of an adult and discusses the possible dangers,” says Chief Superintendent Heikki Kallio of the National Police Board.
Kallio points out that, even if the basic issues have been discussed, it is worth going through them again.
“For example, children should be reminded to look left and right at crossroads and to use safe crossings, moving only when they have a green light,” says Kallio.
The police will monitor traffic in the neighbourhood of schools
The police will intensively monitor traffic from 8 to 10 August, in accordance with the European-wide enforcement theme. The police will also monitor drivers’ use of mobile phones and safety equipment, and compliance with traffic rules at safe crossings.
“At the beginning of the school year, the police aim to have a highly visible public presence, since this is one way of affecting people's behaviour on the roads," says Kallio.
Kallio emphasises that motorists should drive more carefully in the neighbourhood of schools and remember their obligation to exercise particular caution when children are on the roads.
Cyclists will also be monitored
The police will also intensively monitor bicycles on pavements at the beginning of the school year.
“The law states that only children under the age of 12 can legally ride bicycles on pedestrian paths. People who are older than this should use cycle paths or the roads,” says Kallio.
The police would also remind the public that, for their own safety, cyclists should always use a helmet when cycling.
“Setting an example has a huge impact. Many families with children are seen, where the children are wearing helmets but the parents are not. Many parents also talk into mobile phones when driving a car or riding a bicycle. It is worth setting a good and safe example for children from when they are at a very young age,” Kallio advises.
