8 back-to-school road safety tips for students, drivers

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 9, 2021

City of Richmond Hill and York Regional Police remind you to revisit road safety tips

After a long and hot summer, the school year is back in session, which means more cars and foot traffic in Richmond Hill neighbourhoods.

With students and drivers alike having stayed at home more over the past year due to the pandemic and rolling lockdown restrictions, this fall is a good time to revisit back-to-school road safety tips.

In collaboration with York Regional Police, we have put together a quick list of eight road safety tips as reminders for students and drivers.

TIPS FOR WALKING TO SCHOOL

• Limit your distractions: Keep your head up and pay attention to your surroundings. Put away your phone, headphones and other devices, so you can focus on where you're going and see/hear approaching traffic.

• Watch for traffic (especially distracted drivers): Make sure to stop at the curb and look both ways for traffic before crossing. When the intersection is clear and/or vehicles have come to a complete stop, start crossing. Don't forget to make eye contact with drivers and keep an eye out for approaching vehicles. Last but not least, remember to walk, not run, when crossing a road.

• Make sure you're visible: Wear bright clothes and/or reflective gear to be seen by drivers, especially at night and in poor weather conditions.

• No sidewalk?: Walk facing oncoming traffic, so you can see approaching vehicles and make eye contact with drivers. If there is a sidewalk, walk on the side furthest from the curb and road. When possible, make sure to use designated crosswalks/intersections when crossing the road.

TIPS FOR DRIVERS

• Stop for school buses: Traffic in both directions must stop when approaching a school bus that is displaying flashing red lights. Do not go until the lights stop flashing.

• No stopping/parking zones: Make sure to obey signage for no stopping and no parking zones. These areas are designated for school buses, other school and emergency vehicles.

• Obey crossing guards: Crossing guards help ensure the safe crossing of children as they go to and from school. Listen and watch for their directions. Only proceed with driving when pedestrians and the crossing guard are safely on the sidewalk.

• Be patient and drive safely: Give yourself plenty of time to get to where you are going. Slow down in school zones and avoid distractions to focus on driving. Be alert and watch for children that might cross the street at the wrong place or dart between parked cars.

By following these road safety tips, we can help ensure everyone has a safe return to school this fall.