Helping kids get to school safely by slowing down in school zones

It’s that time of year again! With Durham Region students back to school, road users must remember to keep safety top of mind in school zones.

Drivers need to slow down, stay focused, and watch for cyclists and pedestrians, including distracted kids who may be excited to be back at school. Children should also be reminded about the importance of crossing the road at a designated crossing or signalized intersection, and waiting until the road is clear and cars and cyclists have come to a complete stop before crossing. With the increase in pedestrians and traffic, cyclists and drivers should give themselves extra time to get to their destination and drive with care to protect the safety of children.

Now that students are back in class, drivers must also remember to come to a full stop when behind or approaching a school bus with its overhead red lights flashing or its stop arm activated. Do not go until the bus moves or the lights have stopped flashing. The school bus law must be followed on any road, no matter how many lanes or what the speed limit. This law helps to keep students safe.

Through the Durham Vision Zero strategic road safety action plan, Durham Region is taking steps to reduce the number of fatal and serious-injury-causing collisions on our roads. Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras are currently operational in school zones and designated community safety zones in Durham Region. Cameras are rotated between these sites.

For a list of locations in Durham Region, and to learn more about ASE, visit durham.ca/ASE.