Grey Bruce and South Bruce OPP are providing some safety tips as students head back to school.
Police are reminding drivers as students in the region return to school next week after the summer break to maintain a heightened level of awareness for students getting off a school bus or when they travel near or through a school zone.
Drivers may also come across school buses and increased traffic on their morning or afternoon commutes, and are advised to take that into consideration when traveling.
Additionally, drivers are advised to slow down when you see yellow lights coming from a school bus as they can come to a stop at any time.
“Remember, failing to stop for a stopped school bus that has its flashing red lights engaged is a serious offence. For a first-time offence, you can be fined from $400 have six demerit points added to your license,” say police. “In Ontario, school bus drivers and other witnesses can report vehicle that have illegally passed a school bus. If you are the vehicle’s registered owner, these same fines may be applied to you.”
Parents are also encouraged to talk with their children about being safe going to and from school. Some safety tips include wearing a helmet while on a bike, staying on the sidewalk if you are a pedestrian, and pedestrians and cyclists should make use of the cross guards who will be returning to their posts to help children cross the road safely.
Police will have enhanced patrols around school zones through the coming weeks to ensure drivers and students are following the rules of the road and exercising caution and care.
“Our children’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone using the roads needs to exercise vigilance, patience and understanding as our students’ head back to school. We ask you to please do your part to keep our children safe,” say police.