Police have issued road safety guidelines to motorists, parents, schools and learners as schools across the country reopen for the Third Term of 2026.
The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety warned that the reopening of schools is expected to increase traffic, particularly around schools, highways and other busy areas, putting children at greater risk as they return to school.
Traffic and Road Safety Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura urged all road users to exercise extra caution, patience and responsibility to protect the lives of children.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Do not drive as if you own the road; drive as if you own the car. There is no journey that is more important than a child’s life,” Kananura said.
Police said motorists should reduce their speed around schools and pedestrian crossings and avoid reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, distracted driving and driving under the influence of alcohol, among other traffic violations.
Parents and school administrators have also been urged to ensure that children use safe, inspected and authorised means of transport.
“Parents and schools should ensure children use safe, inspected and authorized transport. School vehicles must be roadworthy, properly licensed, driven by qualified drivers and must not be overloaded,” Kananura said.
According to Kananura, school vehicles must be roadworthy, properly licensed, driven by qualified drivers and must not be overloaded.
Schools have further been asked to sensitise learners about road safety and properly manage pick-up and drop-off points to minimise the risk of accidents.
“Schools should sensitize learners on road safety and properly manage pick-up and drop-off points,” he said.
Police also urged learners to use designated pedestrian crossings where available, avoid distractions while walking, and walk facing oncoming traffic where there are no walkways.
Learners have also been advised to look right, left and right again before crossing the road to ensure it is safe.
He said children remain vulnerable road users because they may not accurately judge vehicle speeds or distances, requiring motorists and other road users to exercise heightened caution as schools resume.
The police urged all stakeholders to play their part in ensuring children travel to and from school safely throughout the Third Term.
