Police patrol Riga schools on first day of classes

State Police officers patrolled schools in Riga on September 1 to help keep children safe, reminded them of traffic rules and monitored the situation, LSM reported. Particular attention was paid to pedestrian crossings.

Police representative Anita Jančevska said children often rush across roads at red lights or at pedestrian crossings without traffic lights. “When they are in a hurry, they do not make sure they are safe. They hope they will make it and run across the pedestrian crossing,” she said.

The officers said their aim was not to issue fines but to remind children about road safety. They distributed information materials, stickers, reflective safety badges and notebooks, as well as high-visibility vests for children.

“Our main task is to ensure preventively that children cross the road correctly, following the rules, looking right and left and crossing the pedestrian crossing without rushing,” Jančevska said.

Police also urged parents to discuss traffic rules with their children at home and stressed that the most important thing was for children to see adults following the rules themselves.