Praise instead of constantly complaining
Parents should take enough time and discuss danger spots at intersections or road crossings in detail – without scaring them, stressed Suthold. “It is important that parents do not constantly admonish and complain to their children, but praise them when they have done something right.” A route with as few danger spots as possible is preferable, even if this means taking a small detour. “The shortest route is not always the safest,” warned Suthold.
The ADAC is appealing to schools to support parents with up-to-date school route plans. According to an ADAC survey, only 18 percent of parents had such a plan last year – although most said they would be happy to use such a guide.
Visibility on the way to school is also important: “With reflectors on the school bag and clothing or a safety vest, children can be seen up to 140 meters away, even in poor visibility,” explained Suthold. “For comparison: children in dark clothing can only be seen from a distance of 25 meters.”
Chaos with “parent taxis” – no sense of traffic from the back seat
If the new students travel part or all of their journey by school bus or public transport, these routes should also be practiced with the child beforehand.
The ADAC, however, advises against driving to the school gates. “Parents’ taxis often create chaotic and dangerous situations in front of schools,” warned Suthold.
According to an ADAC survey, 41 percent of parents who drop their children off at school by car see it this way. According to them, the reason they do it anyway is mainly because of appointments, bad weather, because it is on the way or because it is quicker.
The disadvantage from the ADAC’s point of view: “As passive participants in the back seat, the children do not get a feel for road traffic and its dangers,” explained the expert.
