Back to school road safety

It’s that time of the year again! Students are heading back to the classroom – whether it be college, university, high school or elementary school. Together with many other Ontarians, we are getting back to work or school and our regular routines, which is why it is very important to be extra cautious on the roads during this busy time of year.

Tips to Keep Kids Safe

With summer over, students are heading back to the classroom and getting used to a new routine and possibly a new route to school. Many children walk or ride their bikes to school, and younger children often lack the skills yet to navigate traffic safely. Here are some tips to keep students safe:

1. Motorists approaching a school bus with its upper red lights flashing must legally stop. This applies to cars travelling in both directions and does not depend on the type of roadway in question, the speed limit or the number of lanes on the roadway. It is only after the STOP arm has been folded away and the red lights have stopped flashing that a motorist is permitted to move.
2. Reduce your speed in school zones and be on the lookout for school crossings. Speed limits may be reduced in the immediate area surrounding a school on days when students are in class. Drivers are also required to wait until pedestrians completely cross the road at school crossings, and at crosswalks with pedestrian-operated crossing lights, before they can proceed.
3. Avoid distracted driving Hand-held devices, eating, drinking, adjusting the stereo and even talking with other passengers in the car are some sources of distracted driving. Try to minimize these behaviours and focus your full attention on the roadway at all times.
4. Teach your children the rules of traffic safety. Teaching children how to stay safe can help reduce risks. Children should stay away from streets and busy parking lots while at school. Reminding children to only cross at designated cross walks under the supervision of an adult or crossing guard is key to reducing the likelihood of an accident.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Keeping these safety tips in mind and remembering the rules of the road will help keep all of us safe this school year.

Contact Ontario’s Injury Lawyers

If you have been involved in an accident, one of our experienced Ontario personal injury lawyers would be happy to speak with you regarding your rights and potential remedies. Contact us online for a free legal consultation or by phone at 1-800-563-6348.

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