The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service’s monthly traffic initiative for September is Back to School Safety.
Transport Canada calls the month of September a dangerous one for pedestrians, with more fatalities happening in September than any other month.
"Drivers should be extra cautious in the morning and mid-afternoon when children are walking, riding bicycles, being dropped off or picked up by parents, or getting on or off school buses," says a news release issued today by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.
Police also issued some tips on staying safe on the roads.
School zones
- According to CAA, 50 per cent of Canadians say they witnessed a distracted driver in a school zone and 70 per cent say they have witnessed speeding in school zones – keep a close eye on your surroundings and obey the posted speed limit
- Recognize when you are entering a school zone and be prepared to stop at any time
- You must yield to pedestrians and school buses
School buses
- Drive with caution near school buses
- Do not pass a school bus when amber or red lights are flashing (this applies to motor vehicles and bicycles)
- You must stop at least 20 metres away from the bus; you cannot proceed until the bus moves
Crossovers and crossing guards
- Stop and yield the whole roadway at pedestrian crossovers, school crossings and other locations where there is a crossing guard.
- Obey crossing guards – stop before the crossing and do not proceed until all pedestrians have fully cleared the entire roadway