Club recommends independence and practice before the first day of school
Region. At the start of the new school year, the ACE Auto Club Europe is appealing to parents to take their children to school without cars if possible. The reason: The increasing "parent taxi" traffic is creating confusing and dangerous situations in front of many schools.
In the morning hours, parked vehicles often block the view, children get out of cars on the side of the road, and maneuvering cars increase the risk of accidents. "If you still have to drive your child, you should drop them off at least 500 meters from school. This ensures greater safety and gives the children back some independence," recommends Volker Schork, ACE regional representative for the Central Region.
The club also emphasizes the importance of practicing safe routes to school in a timely manner – ideally on foot and during real traffic times. "Only independently developed routes to school teach children real road safety. This strengthens their competence and self-confidence," says ACE regional representative Nils Christoph Burkhoff.
Parents should choose the safest route, not necessarily the shortest. Prioritize routes with zebra crossings or traffic lights, wide sidewalks, and clear route layouts. Many municipalities offer school route maps, which are available from schools, police, or traffic authorities.
As alternatives to parent taxis, the ACE recommends:
- Walking groups or “walking buses” where children walk to school together.
- Pick-up chains in the first school year to accompany younger children.
- Accompanied bicycle tours for longer distances – only after passing the bicycle test.
(RED/ACE)
