680News traffic

Everyone has mixed feelings this time of year. The summer is over. Some are embracing the return to a routine and are feeling a sense of relief, while others are lamenting the passing of yet another fun-filled season. Regardless of how we feel however, one thing is certain. There are a whole lot of really excited kids out there who are returning to school, and road safety is probably one of the last things on their minds.

That’s why it is up to us, the drivers, to practice extra care and be even more vigilant than usual, especially around schools. Make sure you slow down to 40km/hr in the school zones. Over the next couple of weeks you may notice an increased police presence in school areas as they enforce this 40 km/hr school zone rule.

Something we don’t see a lot of during the summer are school buses so now is a good time to go over some important rules.

Whether you are behind a school bus with upper red flashing lights or approaching it from the opposite direction, as a driver the law requires that you stop. Failing to do so can incur up to a $2,000 fine and six demerit points. If you would like more information on bus safety and what to do if you see someone passing a school bus illegally you can go to the Ministry of Transportation website http://www.mto.gov.on.ca, click on the Road Safety tab and choose the School Bus Safety option.

School bus safety has greatly increased since I was little. We used to jump off the bus and, more often than not, dart across the country road to our farm without even checking for traffic. It’s a wonder we all survived!! Now school buses are equipped with crossing arms to keep the children out of the bus driver’s blind spot. There are better side mirrors to improve the bus driver’s sight and Ontario requires that all school buses undergo a safety inspection at least twice a year. And of course there are the tough penalties that I mentioned above if drivers don’t stop for a school bus with flashing lights.

Whether a child is walking, getting a ride with a parent or friend, or taking the school bus let’s do our part to ensure that they all make it through the school year safely.