Sault Police Remind Community to Drive Safely this Back-to-School Season
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service’s monthly traffic initiative for September is Back to School Safety.
With students heading back to school, Sault Police are reminding the community to drive safely – especially in school zones, around school buses, and near crossing guards.
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.
According to Transport Canada, September is a dangerous month for pedestrians, with more fatalities occurring during this month than any other. Here are some tips to make September safer for everyone in Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township:
School Zones
- According to CAA, 50% of Canadians say they witnessed a distracted driver in a school zone and 70% 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
- Have your children complete online school bus safety training at www.schoolbusridersafety.ca
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
For more tips on road safety during September, follow @SaultPolice on social media.
