Children are excited to be back and may be distracted or move unpredictably as they head to and from school. Let’s take extra care wherever children may be present, especially during dark mornings and busy afternoons.
It’s important for drivers to slow down, monitor crosswalks and school zones carefully, and be prepared for children who may suddenly step into the street.
Safe driving tips:
- Be on the lookout for children crossing the road.
- Avoid distractions and carefully scan the road for children walking or cycling.
- Turn on your headlights during low-light hours to help you see and be seen.
- Watch for alternating flashing amber lights, which mean a school bus is slowing down to stop so children can get on or off.
- Stop when a school bus activates its flashing red lights, whether approaching from the front or following behind. The only exception is when the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway.
- Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and continue watching for children before proceeding.
- Parents, guardians and educators can also help by regularly reviewing road safety rules with children throughout the school year.
Quick facts
- You are not permitted to pass or attempt to pass another vehicle travelling in the same direction within a school zone, when the zone is in effect.
- The speed limit for both urban and rural school zones is 30 km/h unless otherwise posted.
- The vast majority (about 90 per cent) of collisions involving school buses occur in urban areas.
- The penalty for failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights is $567 and six demerit points.