Owen Sound Police are advising residents to be safe on the roads as students make their return to school.
Police say as of Sept. 6, students across the province will be heading back to the classroom, making the streets busy once again with children and teens.
Police add as student may not always be focusing on traffic safety, motorists are encouraged to slow down and be cautious.
Drivers are being reminded that school buses and crossing guards will be back, and drivers should be prepared to make unanticipated stops. Failing to stop for a crossing guard displaying a portable stop sign comes with a $180 fine and three demerit points.
Police say drivers who pass a school bus with red lights activated carries a $490 fine and six demerit points.
Police add when it comes to the several crosswalks in the city, drivers who do not yield to pedestrians crossing could pay a fine of $150 and three demerit points.
Police say in the coming weeks, they will be focusing their traffic safety efforts on enforcement and education in school zones. This will include speeding, aggressive and distracted driving.
“The use of cell phones and other hand-held electronic devices while driving is becoming an increasing cause of serious collisions. Put down your phone while driving. Distracted driving put lives, including your own, at risk,” says Owen Sound Police.
Police will also be monitoring parking in the area of schools, as parking in prohibited areas around school zones can create safety hazards by getting in the way of bus drop-off areas and limiting driver and pedestrian visibility at school crossings.
Grey Bruce OPP are reminding parents to talk with their children about safety as well.
Cyclists under the age of 18 are required by law to wear a helmet.
Anyone on a bicycle also has to follow all of the same road rules as other vehicles.
Pedestrians and those on scooters should remain on sidewalks.
If no sidewalks are available, then pedestrians should be walking on the left side of the road, facing traffic, and as far to the left as possible.