September: Special Focus on Children’s Safety

The start of the school year brings back to our streets what is less visible on the roads during the summer months: thousands of children making their way to school, first-graders crossing the school threshold for the very first time, and students returning to the rhythm of everyday traffic after the summer holidays.

As the new school year begins, Vilnius County Police will therefore pay particular attention to the safety of children on the roads. During the first days of September, police officers, together with volunteers, will be stationed at pedestrian crossings near schools. They will welcome younger pupils, help them cross the road safely, and monitor drivers’ behaviour at pedestrian crossings, including compliance with road signs and speed limits, as well as whether drivers give way to pedestrians. This year, the police will be joined by partners from local branches of the Lithuanian Red Cross Society, garrisons of the Military Police of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, members of units and/or companies of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, and regional representatives of Kelių priežiūra AB, the company responsible for road maintenance.

At the beginning of September, the streets require not only greater attention, but also greater patience. Why are the first days of September particularly important when it comes to road safety?
After the summer break, children resume their daily journeys to and from school. Younger children may still find it difficult to accurately assess a vehicle’s speed, judge the distance between themselves and an approaching vehicle, or anticipate a driver’s actions. When they are in a hurry, talking to friends, or simply distracted, they may not always notice hazards that an adult would be more likely to identify. That is why drivers are urged to slow down near schools and in residential areas, avoid rushing, and be prepared to stop at any moment. Sometimes, just a few extra seconds are all it takes to make a journey safe.

No Haste at Pedestrian Crossings
The most common mistakes made by drivers include overtaking a vehicle that has stopped at a pedestrian crossing, failing to stop for a pedestrian who is approaching the crossing, stopping on or too close to a pedestrian crossing, using a mobile phone while driving, and exceeding the speed limit in residential areas, where reduced speed limits near schools are in place for good reason.

If you see a child near a pedestrian crossing, slow down and be prepared to stop. It does not matter whether the child has already stepped onto the carriageway or is still waiting for the right moment to cross the road. A driver’s attentiveness can determine the outcome of the situation.

Let’s Plan a Safe Journey to School as a Family
Police emphasise that the family is a child’s first school of road safety. Parents should not only make sure that their children know a safe route to school, but also set a good example themselves – stopping at pedestrian crossings, giving way to pedestrians, and wearing seat belts. Parents are advised to plan a safe route to school before the start of the school year, show children the nearest pedestrian crossings, remind them that using a mobile phone or wearing headphones while on the road can be dangerous, ensure that their backpacks and clothing are equipped with reflective elements, and make sure that appropriate protective equipment is worn when riding a bicycle or electric scooter.

Let us take responsibility for one another.

Last updated: 09-09-2026

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