Approximately 2,600 children are likely to be enrolled this year in the area of responsibility of the police inspection Delmenhorst / Oldenburg-Land / Wesermarsch. For them, the school routine begins with their school enrollment on Saturday, 17 August. For all other school children, the new school year starts on Thursday. On this occasion, the police appeals to all road users and calls for special caution and consideration. Especially at the beginning of the school year must be reckoned with thoughtless actions of the “newbies”. In particular, parents are asked to practice the right behavior in traffic with their children. For example, they can already go out together in advance and discuss special danger spots. It is also important that the parents ensure that their children are easily identifiable. This can in the form of glowing safety vests, collars or satchel covers. Even bright outerwear, preferably with reflective stripes, is helpful.
Parents should also practice with children who are brought to school by bus. Again, there are sources of danger, where they have to keep an eye on passing traffic. The children must learn that they have to pay attention to cyclists and pedestrians when getting off the bus. Especially important: Never cross the road directly in front of or directly behind the bus.
Children who are brought to school by car must be properly secured. Up to the age of 12 and a height of fewer than 1.50 meters, a suitable child seat is mandatory. Missing or insufficient securing of children in the car can be punished with up to 70 euros. The entry and exit should only be done on the side facing away from traffic. Parents should also consider carefully whether it is necessary to drive their children to school by car. Less traffic helps to prevent the dangerous traffic chaos in front of the schools.
To give children the safest possible start into everyday school life, the police will focus more and more on school trips, especially in the first few weeks. Of course, monitoring the prescribed speed limits will be one of the priorities of the police. The city of Delmenhorst, as well as the rural districts of Oldenburg and Wesermarsch, will also carry out speed checks and measurements near the elementary schools.
Furthermore, compliance with child safety regulations in motor vehicles is checked. Also, the police have, among other things, violations of the holding and parking regulations in the school environment and the area of school routes in view.