Back to School Safety Tips

With school back in session, it’s important for drivers, parents and children to slow down, walk safe, be alert and follow the rules of the road – especially before and after school.
 

Safety tips to share with your child

• Stand back on the sidewalk until ready to cross the street
   
• Use cross walks and intersections with crossing guards, if available
   
• Obey pedestrian signals at intersections and always use the pedestrian push buttons.
   
• Make sure vehicles travelling in all directions have come to a complete stop and the road has no visible moving traffic before crossing
   
• Always make eye contact with the driver
  Walk, do not run
   
• Walk beside your bike or scooter, do not ride while crossing the road
   
• Do not wear earphones or text while walking
   

Safe driving tips for residents and parents

• Follow posted speed limits; school zones usually have reduced speeds so drivers can safely stop to allow children to cross the street
   
• Avoid U-turns, backing up or making three point turns
   
• Watch for vehicles, pedestrians, bikes, scooters and stopped school buses
   
• Obey crossing guards, stop signs and traffic lights
   
• Park and walk a block to the school. You’ll avoid congested school zone activity and could save time.
   
• Leave your car at home and consider walking, cycling or taking transit
   
• Obey all road signage and remember to park your vehicle:
   
• In permitted areas only
   
• A minimum of 10 feet or 3 metres away from a fire hydrant
   
• A minimum of 30 feet or 9 metres away from an intersection
   
• Within 6 inches or 15 centimetres of a curb
   

Useful websites to check out

Markham's Traffic Operations
Safe Routes to School
Student Transportation Services of York Region
York Regional Police
 

Check out #WalkSafeDriveSafe on Twitter for more back to school safety tips!