NORTH PERTH – The Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding drivers that students in Perth County are heading back to school this week after summer break.
For drivers, that means maintaining a heightened level of awareness for students getting on or getting off a school bus or when travelling near or through a school zone. A distraction of a split-second can be enough to cause a devastating collision.
Drivers may encounter school buses and increased traffic on their morning or afternoon commutes so they should take that into consideration. Drivers are also reminded to slow down when you see a school bus and give it plenty of space, as it could come to a stop at any time. Remember, failing to stop for a stopped school bus that has its flashing lights engaged is a serious offence.
Parents of school-aged children are asked to talk with your children about being safe when going to and coming from school. Perth County OPP is also asking all drivers to be extra careful and observant for children on or near roadways, particularly near school zones. Keep your speed down and watch for students that try to cross the road in an unexpected location.
Below are some additional reminders for vehicle drivers and students:
Cyclists under the age of 18 are required by law to wear a properly-fitted and fastened bike helmet. Cyclists must obey the same rules of the road that other vehicles do and always keep their eyes and ears open, as sometimes other vehicles may not see you.
Pedestrians should stay on sidewalks and where there are none, they should be walking on the left side of the road as far off onto the shoulder as possible facing traffic. Both pedestrians and cyclists should make use of crossing guards who will be returning to their posts to help our children get safely across the streets.
Drivers are reminded that the traffic volume will increase, and commute times may be affected by the bus routes. Just a reminder that the registered owner of a vehicle can be charged if that vehicle is identified as one that fails to stop for a school bus when its overhead red signal lights are flashing.
Perth County OPP will be enhancing their school zone patrols over the coming weeks to ensure students arrive and depart school safely. Our children’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone using the road 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.
