Back to School Safety

Slow Down, Stay Alert and Watch for Kids

School is back, and that means more children are walking, cycling, and riding buses on our roads. As families settle back into their school routines, drivers are reminded to take extra care around school zones, crosswalks and bus stops.

Children may be excited, distracted or unpredictable as they make their way to and from school. With darker mornings and busy afternoons becoming part of the daily routine, a few extra seconds of caution can make a big difference.

Drivers: Slow Down and Stay Alert

When travelling through school zones and areas where children may be present:

• Watch carefully for children crossing the road, including those who may suddenly step into traffic.
• Avoid distractions and scan the road carefully for children walking or cycling.
• Turn on your headlights during low-light hours to improve visibility and help others see you.
• Monitor crosswalks and school zones carefully, particularly during the busy morning and afternoon periods.
• Remember that you are not permitted to pass or attempt to pass another vehicle travelling in the same direction within a school zone while the zone is in effect.
• The school-zone speed limit is 30 km/h in both urban and rural areas unless otherwise posted.

Know the School Bus Lights

School buses make frequent stops to pick up and drop off children, so knowing what their lights mean is essential.

Flashing amber lights: These indicate that the school bus is slowing down and preparing to stop so children can get on or off.

Flashing red lights: Drivers must stop when a school bus activates its flashing red lights, whether approaching the bus from the front or following behind.

The only exception is when the school bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway.

Once stopped, remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing. Before proceeding, continue watching carefully for children who may still be crossing or moving around the bus.

A Few Important Facts

• The vast majority—about 90 percent—of collisions involving school buses occur in urban areas.
• Failing to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights carries a $567 fine and six demerit points.

Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Drivers aren’t the only ones who can help keep children safe. Parents, guardians and educators can reinforce good habits by regularly reviewing road-safety rules with children throughout the school year.

Talk about looking both ways before crossing, paying attention around roads and driveways, and staying alert rather than assuming that drivers have seen them.

As the school year gets underway, let’s all do our part to make the roads safer for our youngest community members.

Slow down. Put the phone away. Watch for kids. And give school buses the space and respect they need.

A few extra seconds of attention can help ensure every child gets home safely.