Potential hazards from school transportation by parents: Schools in North Rhine-Westphalia under watchful eye during commencement
In an effort to ensure the safety of children around schools, the establishment of parent drop-off zones has been proposed as a solution to reduce chaotic and dangerous situations. These designated areas allow parents to safely let their children out of the car, minimizing traffic congestion and hazardous pedestrian interactions near school entrances.
However, the effectiveness of these zones depends on proper design, enforcement, and driver compliance. Unsafe driver behaviors, such as speeding and illegal stopping, still pose risks in many locations. To enhance safety, measures like supervision by crossing guards at key intersections, automated enforcement tools, and traffic management within drop-off areas are essential.
Beyond drop-off zones, other measures are advocated to encourage independent travel and improve safety. Education and outreach programs, like Canyons Safety Squad, educate families and students on safe travel habits, promoting walking, biking, and bus use as safe alternatives to car drop-offs.
Infrastructure improvements, such as creating or enhancing sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and controlled crossing points, reduce pedestrian risk and make independent travel more attractive. Traffic calming and controlled school zones, with lower speed limits, clear signage, and road designs that slow traffic, encourage safer conditions for children travelling on foot or bike.
Community-based planning, known as Safe Routes to School (SRTS) plans, identifies safe pathways, manages traffic congestion, and improves crossing safety to support student independence. Security and supervision upgrades, including crossing guards at critical points and technologies like automated enforcement, address broader safety concerns around schools.
Thomas Muther from ADAC states that measures like drop-off zones and school streets are a step in the right direction, but long-term solutions should focus on children being able to safely and independently manage their school journey. He emphasizes that this not only increases traffic safety but also positively influences the development of children.
Parents themselves acknowledge the issue, with approximately 40% critically viewing their own behavior as parent taxis. Concerns for parents are primarily careless road users, speeding, and potential dangers from strangers. Using parent drop-off zones significantly eases the situation around schools, as seen in the school year 2025/26 in North Rhine-Westphalia, where their use found favor with 60% of parents.
Despite these efforts, only 50% of parents in NRW consider their children's school journey safe, highlighting the need for continued improvement. School streets, which are closed to cars during peak times, find favor with 55% of parents in NRW. The ADAC continues to advocate for the establishment of parent drop-off zones to alleviate the situation and promote the safety and independence of children travelling to school.
