As students return to classrooms after a long break, they will use different modes of transportation such as bus, bike, or foot. Drivers should pay extra attention around school zones and bus stops to avoid accidents. The Ottawa Police Service offers some advice to help everyone stay safe:
- Reduce speeds in school zones and be ready to stop anytime. Children do not always notice oncoming traffic;
- Obey school bus signals;
- Watch for pedestrian crossovers, know how they work and obey them when in use;
- Walk on available sidewalks;
- Always cross at intersections, looking and listening for traffic and walk across only when the road is clear, and it’s safe to do so;
- Follow adult crossing guards, student crossing patrols and school bus operator’s signals; and,
- Always wear a helmet when riding a bike and walk your bike across a roadway.
Don’t forget, you have to stop when you see a school bus with its lights flashing on a road without a median. The penalties for not stopping are $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points. For more safety tips you can visit Traffic Services – Ottawa Police Service.
(Written by Luke Notman)
