Police Launching “Back to School” Road Safety Campaign
Published September 3, 2018 at 10:17 pm
It’s the start of the new school year for many students, and in an effort to ensure safety for both drivers and pedestrians, police are launching their back-to-school road safety campaign.
According to a report from Peel Regional Police, officers will be visiting and patrolling areas in and around school zones.
“Officers from Uniform Patrol, School Resource Officers, Divisional Traffic Units and Road Safety Services will be in school zones and on school bus routes, in search of traffic violations using a variety of resources,” the report reads.
Those found to be violating the Highway Traffic Act or by-laws can expect “strict enforcement.”
These officers will also be participating in a distracted driving campaign with a zero tolerance approach to driving offences.
The penalty for these offences has recently become greater — as of September 1, 2018, fines have increased for careless driving and failing to yield to pedestrians at cross walks, school crossings, or crossovers.
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One scenario police have emphasized is proper driving near a school bus. Drivers are reminded that when a school bus has stopped and activated its flashing red lights, all vehicles approaching the bus from the front or rear must come to a complete stop before reaching it.
Drivers who fail to stop in these conditions face a minimum $400 fine and six demerit points for a first offence, police warn.
In addition, parents are urged to review safety concerns and tips with their children at home.
“As students and their families settle back into school-year routines following the summer break, Peel Regional Police wishes to remind motorists and pedestrians that road safety is a shared responsibility,” the report adds.
“If you are rushed at home chances are you will be rushed on the road.”
Anyone looking for additional road safety tips can visit PRP’s website at peelpolice.ca.
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