Safety Measures and Administrative Guidelines for the Start of the 2025-2026 Academic Year under the Safe Way to School Initiative
In anticipation of the new school year starting on September 15, 2025, authorities in the districts of Reutlingen, Esslingen, Tübingen, and Zollernalbkreis are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of schoolchildren.
The local traffic authorities, in collaboration with municipalities, schools, and the police, are working closely with the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport. This collaboration aims to facilitate the implementation of school zones and traffic safety measures around schools. Guidelines have been issued to ensure a smooth execution of these safety measures.
Unfortunately, in the previous year, 33 school-related incidents involving children and young people aged 6 to 17 were recorded by the Reutlingen Police Headquarters. Four pupils were severely injured, and 29 were lightly injured in these incidents.
To mitigate these risks, several measures have been put in place. Parents are encouraged to explore the safest possible school route with their children and familiarize them with road dangers. Young cyclists will be approached by officers to promote road-safe behavior, and the wearing of bicycle helmets among young cyclists will be emphasized.
In the upcoming dark season, parents should ensure their children wear bright, eye-catching clothing with reflective elements. The roadworthiness of bicycles will also be checked by officers.
The correct securing of children in 'parent taxis' will be a key focus of the control action, and it is generally more sensible to allow children to make their way to school independently.
To raise awareness among first-graders, the Prevention Department of the Police Headquarters Reutlingen has produced three educational videos on road safety using hand puppets. These videos are available on the website https://kleines-zebra.gib-acht-im-verkehr.de/daskleinezebraundlucy/.
To ensure the safety of schoolchildren, the police, traffic police, and traffic accident prevention will pay special attention to school routes from September 19, 2025. Officers will also pay attention to parked vehicles during their checks, as thoughtless parking can create hazards on school routes.
For further inquiries, the Reutlingen Police Headquarters can be contacted at the provided contact information. Parents are reminded to regularly check the roadworthiness of their children's bicycles and to practice road-safe behavior with their children.
Hundreds of first-graders and many more children and young people have returned to school after the summer holidays. The 'Safe School Route' action will combine information and awareness-raising measures with coordinated control measures in all four districts. Let us work together to ensure a safe and successful school year for all.
