Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are preparing for the first day of school, and hope drivers are doing the same.
A new school year begins for millions of Ontario children on Tuesday, and police will be working to ensure that the start of the year is a safe, worry-free one.
"As students head back to school, safety in our communities is a shared responsibility," said OPP Essex County Commander Mark Loucas. "Drivers must stay alert, be patient, and show courtesy around school zones. With increased foot traffic and school buses on the road, let's work together to make the start of the school year both fun and safe for everyone."
Parents may help their kids by going over with them the safety rules for walking or riding the bus.
"Take the time to remind them of bus safety," said Loucas. "Staying seated while the bus is in motion, waiting for the bus to stop before getting on or off, and to cross the street when it is safe doing so."
For kids who prefer to ride their bicycles to school, helmets are a must, and the same traffic laws applying to cars apply to bicycles.
For drivers, the OPP has issued a reminder of the stiff penalties that could be imposed for failure to stop for a stopped school bus.
"When amber lights are flashing on a school bus, slow down and be prepared to stop," said Loucas. "Drivers must stop for school buses when the red lights are flashing and when the stop arm is extended. Not only is passing a stopped school bus illegal and dangerous, but it could also result in a $400 to $2000 fine and six demerit points."
In areas served by the OPP, there will be extra patrols around bus routes and school zones.