Parental transportation dilemma
In the bustling city of Landau, as the new school year commences, safety concerns have been raised by the local police. Approximately 460 children are starting their educational journey today, and Steffen Neu, a representative from the Landau police, has highlighted the limited road space in front of schools as an additional safety hazard due to maneuvering cars.
The narrow roads and congested traffic, exacerbated by parent taxis, make it difficult for children, especially those of small stature, to be seen in time. Neu encourages parents to walk the school route with their children until they can do it independently, emphasising the importance of children being able to safely cross the street.
Recognising approaching cars, estimating their speed, and looking left and right are crucial skills for children to master, according to Neu. However, the police are concerned about the risk of children not being seen in time due to maneuvering cars in front of schools.
The city of Landau had previously attempted to establish a 'human school bus' at several schools, an initiative spearheaded by the former mayor Albrecht Schröter from Jena. This concept would have first and second graders walking to school together, accompanied by one or more adults. Unfortunately, the initiative failed due to parental resistance.
Deputy Mayor Lena Dürphold attributes the failure of the 'human school bus' to decreasing parental sense of security. She reports that parent taxis are a significant issue at some schools in Landau.
Despite these challenges, the city and police in Landau are not deterred. They have organised a 'Safe School Route' action to help children practice their school route before the start of the school week. Last week, 85 children participated in this action, which is fewer than in previous years.
The police in Landau confirm that, so far, the school route does not appear to have become more dangerous. However, Neu states that while every school route accident is one too many, the ratio is not bad in Landau.
The AOK was ready to sponsor the 'human school bus' initiative, and the school principals were enthusiastic. As the new school year begins, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of Landau's children during their school routes.
