Students get on school bus. September 2022. (Blackburn Media file photo)Students get on school bus. September 2022. (Blackburn Media file photo)
Sarnia

Sarnia police issue reminders for safe back to school season

Community members are being reminded to be extra cautious as area roadways become busy once again for a new school season.

Sarnia police have released a list of tips and reminders for the back-to-school season

Deputy Chief Julie Craddock said road safety is a shared responsibility where everyone should be mindful of their surroundings in school and community safety zones. 

Pedestrians are reminded to utilize marked crosswalks, crossing guards, and controlled intersections. Cyclists are asked to follow traffic rules, walk bicycles across intersections, and wear helmets.  

"Distracted driving is something we talk about a lot but people who are on bikes and on foot can also be distracted by cell phones, for example," said Craddock. "So keep those phones and electronics stored away until they're in a space that's safe to use them."

Parents and guardians who drive their children to school are asked to use designated drop-off zones and avoid stopping where other drivers wouldn't expect.

Motorists should be aware of speed limit changes in school and community safety zones, which usually have a posted speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour.

"The fines for speeding in those designated locations are actually doubled," Craddock said. "In addition, we do receive a number of complaints throughout the school year about vehicles failing to stop for a school bus that has its stop arm extended and its lights activated. We do want to remind drivers that failing to stop for those school buses, proceeding before the arm is actually fully retracted and the lights are turned off, does carry a fine of $490."

Sarnia police are also reminding drivers to avoid getting behind the wheel if they're impaired.

"Impaired driving is something that we do see in the community and it happens all day long, every day of the year," she said. "So we do want to remind drivers that driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can really inhibit their ability to react behind the wheel and can result in serious injury and death."

Traffic concerns can be reported online through the Sarnia Police Service's website. However, Craddock said impaired driving is classified as a crime in progress and residents are encouraged to call 911 in those circumstances.

Craddock said community members should expect to see increased enforcement in and around school zones during the first week back to school. 

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