Back to school safety
Article content
Tuesday, September 3rd marks the start of another school year for the children of Oxford County.
Oxford County Ontario Provincial Police want to remind residents of the county and visitors that we all have the responsibility to ensure the safety of the children while travelling to and from school.
OPP will once again be proactive during the first week of school providing extra patrols near school zones and routes that students would take to and from school. Officers will be focusing on offences such as: speeding, failing to stop at stop signs, failing to yield to pedestrians, and parking violations.
“It is everyone’s duty to be extra vigilant on the roadways of our community,” said Oxford County OPP Detachment Commander Inspector Tim Clark in a media release. “Let’s ensure each child arrives to and from school safely each and every day.”
PARENTS, CAREGIVERS AND CHILDREN
• Walk on sidewalks where available
• Always cross at intersections
• When riding a bicycle always wear a helmet
• Always walk your bicycle across the roadway
CROSSING INTERSECTIONS WITHOUT SIGNALS OR CROSSING GUARDS
• Stop before stepping onto the road
• Look for eye contact with the drivers of motor vehicles
• Look in all directions before crossing the road
• Stop, look and listen for traffic
• Cross safely when it is safe and continue to look in all directions
CROSSING AT AN INTERSECTION
• Wait for the pedestrian walk sign
• Look for eye contact with motorists
• Stop, look, and listen for traffic
• Look all ways for traffic
• Cross the road safely when the road is clear
• Walk, don’t run across the road
DRIVERS
• Be aware of school zones and respect the speed limits and do not pass other vehicles
• Be prepared to stop at any time
• Obey traffic signs and rules of the road
• Do not be a distracted driver
• Look to have eye contact with pedestrians
• Take your time when leaving or entering a driveway
• Stop when directed by a crossing guard
• Watch for school bus flashing lights and stop signs, and do not start moving until the red lights have stopped flashing, the STOP arm folds away, and the bus starts to move
School Bus Laws
Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights can result in a fine and six demerit points for a first offence under the Highway Traffic Act.
Failing to Obey a Crossing Guard
Crossing guards are use to protect children. All motorists are to watch and obey the direction of the crossing guard. Motorists who fail to obey this direction can be subject to a fine and four demerit points for a first offence under the Highway Traffic Act.
chris.abbott@sunmedia.ca