Dark mornings mean extra care on the walk to school

October 7, 2026 - Nanaimo, British Columbia
From: Nanaimo RCMP

Content

With the days getting shorter, many students may be heading to school while it’s still dark outside. A few simple precautions can help make that morning walk safer.

For students:

• Be seen. Wear bright or reflective clothing and consider carrying a flashlight or light.

• Use sidewalks and crosswalks. Cross at marked intersections whenever possible and avoid taking shortcuts across busy roads.

• Look before you cross. Stop, look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before stepping onto the road.

• Phones down, heads up. Put away phones and earbuds when crossing streets so you can see and hear what’s happening around you.

• Walk together. Whenever possible, walk with a friend, sibling or group, especially when it’s dark.

For parents:

• Choose the safest route to school, not necessarily the shortest one.

• Make sure backpacks, jackets or shoes have reflective material or add a clip-on light.

• With younger children, walk the route together and point out safe places to cross.

• Remind children that even when they have the right-of-way, they should never assume a driver has seen them.

• If you’re driving your child to school, slow down around schools and crosswalks and watch for children who may be difficult to see.

And let’s not forget about drivers:

• Please slow down, stay alert and take that extra moment to look for children and youth during the morning commute.

Contacts