It’s back to school for thousands of local students Tuesday and Lennox and Addington OPP are warning drivers and pedestrians to be safe this September, as students return to classrooms and roads get busier in the mornings and afternoons.
With more traffic in general, including buses, walking children, bicycles and more, the OPP are reminding motorists to share the road responsibly with a two-week traffic safety campaign, and are providing some helpful tips to keep yourself and others safe on the road this September.
- Obey speed limits, and stay alert near schools and playgrounds.
- Do not use cellphones or other distractions while driving.
- Remember to stop when approaching a school bus with its stop sign out and lights flashing. Traffic must stop in both directions and cannot pass the bus.
The fine for failing to stop for a school bus is $400 to $2000 and six demerit points for the first offence. Subsequent offences carry a fine of between $1000 and $4000, six demerit points and possible jail time (up to six months). - Come to a complete stop to allow pedestrians to cross the road, making sure they have cleared the road before proceeding.
- Keep an eye out for children, who may become distracted and may not yet know all the rules of the road.
- Unload child passengers in designated drop-off areas, or away from traffic and congestion.
Keeping alert and driving safe can prevent accidents this September.
