Kick off the school year with road safety in mind

As students head back to school this September, the City is reminding drivers, transit users, cyclists, e-scooter users and pedestrians to take extra precautions during the busy morning and afternoon school rush. You should expect to see students walking, riding their bikes, using scooters, taking school buses or MiWay buses, or being driven to and from school. With increased traffic, distracted driving and rushed schedules, the risk of collisions is higher. Children can often make unpredictable movements, so it’s important to be extra cautious near schools and along school routes. We all share the road, so please stay focused so everyone reaches their destination safely.

Key road safety reminders

When driving in a school zone, remember to:

• Slow down and follow the posted speed limits.
• Obey the school crossing guard’s stop sign.
• Never proceed through crossings until students have completely crossed.
• Follow posted parking restrictions to avoid causing visibility issues on the road
• Avoid unsafe movements like U-Turns or stopping in the middle of the road to drop off your students.
• Stop for school buses with flashing red lights, and never attempt to overtake them.

When walking, cycling, scootering or taking a bus to school, remember to:

• Cross streets only at designated crosswalks or crossrides, where possible.
• Wear a helmet when biking, scootering or skateboarding.
• Only ride an e-scooter if you’re 16 years or older. It’s illegal for those under 16 to ride.
• Follow your crossing guard’s instructions.
• Follow all railway-crossing safety rules if your school route is near a railway crossing.
• Stand back from the curb and do not approach a school bus until it comes to a full stop.

Crossing guard program

The City has more than 215 school crossing guards at more than 160 locations who will be ready on the first day of school. Crossing guards help school children from kindergarten to fifth grade cross the road safely.

The City’s Mississauga School Traffic Safety Action Committee conducts site inspections and safety reviews at or near schools on request to help find opportunities to improve safety for students and all road users.

School Walking Routes program

Get active by walking or cycling to school. The City has a School Walking Routes program that promotes active travel, such as walking or travelling by bike, wheelchair or other mobility devices, to and from school. School Route signs installed around the neighbourhood guide students on their way to school and alert drivers to watch for children.

Parking in school zones

Not following the parking, stopping and fire route signs and rules can reduce the level of safety in a school zone. Those driving students to school are encouraged to use the school’s Kiss n’ Ride if one exists. Otherwise, please follow all parking, stopping and fire route signage, especially at drop-off and pick-up locations.

If you see parking safety concerns, report them by calling 311.

For more road safety information and additional safety tips, visit mississauga.ca/roadsafety.

Tags

• Children & Youth
• Public Safety
• Roads and Traffic
• Students