School starts in Upper Austria as drivers urged to watch for children

As the new school year begins on Monday, many children will again be travelling on roads in Upper Austria, ORF reported. Traffic situations are particularly unfamiliar for children starting school, so drivers are being urged to take extra care.

Children often struggle to judge speeds and distances correctly. Drivers should therefore slow down near schools, pedestrian crossings and bus stops and be ready to brake.

Particular caution is required when a school bus stops directly ahead. If its yellow-red warning lights and hazard lights are switched on, passing the bus is prohibited. Passing regular public buses is permitted, but only with increased caution.

Drivers cannot rely on the assumption that children will always follow traffic rules. Parents are also advised to avoid using a “parent taxi” and not to take their children directly to the school gate.