The start of the school year is just days away, and provincial police are reminding everyone to put safety first.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are putting out a reminder to drivers, parents, and students to prioritize safety on the roads and specifically in school zones.
Motorists are reminded to slow down and be vigilant while driving in school zones and residential neighbourhoods. The OPP is also reminding drivers to be mindful of children walking or riding their bikes to and from school.
Another reminder surrounds school buses, as flashing amber lights mean slow down and be prepared to stop, and make a full stop when flashing red lights and the stop arm is extended. It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus and could result in hefty fines and demerit points.
Parents are asked to remind their children to avoid distractions while walking, look both ways before crossing the street, use the crosswalk, and obey crossing guards. If a child is riding their bike to and from school, ensure they are wearing a helmet.
OPP Constable Stephanie Caron says drivers are asked to take extra precautions as school begins.
“Let’s start thinking, ‘okay, back to school’... we’re going to see a lot more activity. You’re going to see kids running around who have been out all summer long and used to a little bit more of a lax schedule, so let’s get back into the routine, and we’re going to see kids out there in the mornings and as well in the afternoons... so let’s be mindful.”
She says parents are encouraged to speak to their kids about walking or cycling to school.
“Pedestrians have the right-of-way, but let’s have a look each way and maybe do it a couple of times just to make sure you’re being seen as well. If we’re biking to school, let’s have all the protective gear on, let’s have our helmets, let’s walk across the street, let’s use the crosswalks.”
Caron says while the OPP will focus on education around stopping for buses, they will hand out tickets if necessary.
“We’ve got the flashing orange to yellow lights on buses now, and then of course we’ve got the flashing red. It’s got to be pretty significant as to why you’re not stopping, and these are children’s lives at stake here as well as the driver in the vehicle. So, if enforcement is necessary, if a ticket needs to be laid, then that’s exactly what’s going to be done.”
Caron adds that Essex County OPP will be conducting increased patrols in school zones and along bus routes before and after school.
Students go back to school on Tuesday, Sept. 8.