Security measures and precautions advised for school safety as the new term commences in North Rhine-Westphalia, according to local law enforcement.
In the cities of Dortmund and Lünen, a concerning trend has emerged over the past two years. A total of eleven children have been injured in school-related traffic accidents, with six incidents reported in 2023 and five in 2024.
These accidents have prompted the Dortmund Police to take action, advising parents against driving their children to school in what's known as a 'parent taxi'. Instead, they encourage adults, especially parents, to be role models for safe road behavior.
Children navigate their school journey in various ways, from walking and cycling to using public transportation. However, the police have identified 'drop-off and pick-up' traffic by car as a significant contributor to dangerous situations around schools. They urge parents to avoid car rides whenever possible.
The Dortmund Police's Traffic Puppet Theater in Westfalenpark is part of their traffic safety efforts. Here, children learn about road traffic dangers and safe behavior in an engaging and interactive way. The offer is available for kindergarten groups and elementary school classes.
Safety measures extend beyond the theater. Particular attention is required near bus stops, as children may suddenly emerge from between parked buses. Wearing bright, reflective clothing or bags is recommended to increase visibility, especially during low-light conditions.
Bikes should be in good technical condition, and wearing a helmet is strongly advised. Weather conditions, time of year, local circumstances, and improper behavior by drivers and pedestrians can all contribute to school-related traffic accidents.
The Dortmund Police are focusing on ensuring the safety of students during their school journey. For press inquiries, please contact Theresa Stritzke at the Dortmund Police, phone: 0231/132-1026, email: [email protected], or visit their website: https://dortmund.polizei.nrw/.
As the case number for this issue is 0746, it is clear that the safety of children remains a top priority for the Dortmund Police. They encourage parents to be role models for safe road behavior and to consider alternative methods of transporting their children to school.
