It's the most wonderful time of the year for many students within the Quinte Region, summer holidays.

Thousands of students will be screaming 'School's out' on Thursday afternoon.

Kids will be excited and may not be thinking about their personal safety so drivers need to be extra cautious in looking for child pedestrians during the summer months.

Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue is reminding drivers and parents about the importance of keeping kids safe throughout the summer months.

Firefighter Tim Kraemer said with the increase in population during the tourism season there will be even more children out and about.

“We would like to remind you to just watch out for children that may be bicycling along the shoulders of roads, playing in parks and walking in school zones,” he advised.

Kraemer added camp fire and water safety are equally as important.

“We see a lot of increased activity on the water and we would just like to remind parents to be within reach of their children and paying attention at all times,” he added.

Tips for Drivers 

• The last week of school is an exciting time for children and they may become preoccupied and forget the rules of the road. Use extra caution when driving through school zones.
• During those last few days of school, be aware that kids may be arriving or leaving school at different times throughout the day.
• Remember that playground speed limits remain in effect year-round.
• Observe carefully when driving around playgrounds and parks.
• Small children are less predictable and harder to see than adults.
• Watch for clues, a hockey net or ball in the road or on the sidewalk can mean kids are playing nearby.
• Pay attention and always anticipate the unexpected.
• Always watch for small children as you’re backing up. Walk around your vehicle to make sure no kids or pets are behind it.

Tips for Parents

• Focus on the basics. Teach your children to make eye contact with the driver before they cross, even if the walk signal is on.
• Remind your children to walk, don’t run, across the road
• To stop, look and listen before crossing the street.
• Don’t jaywalk. Teach your children to cross at intersections that have a marked crosswalk or a pedestrian crossing light.
• When walking with your child, avoid unnecessary shortcuts like walking through a parking lot. Drivers may not see children between parked cars and the children may not see the cars moving.