After a six month shutdown elementary schools finally reopen to students across the region Thursday.
That brings the usual back-to-school tips from the Dryden Police Service.
Constable Allin Marcino stresses it’s important for drivers to slow down, be patient and give yourself more time going to and from work.
He adds “If people are driving and come upon a crossing guard who has their stop sign out. Come to a complete stop and please be patient. Wait for the crossing guard to exit the cross walk before proceeding.”
Other tips for motorists from DPS:
-Observe Speed Zones: Children crossing the road on their way to and from school can easily get distracted and step into harm’s way. Slowing down and being vigilant is crucial to keeping kids safe. Children are often out throughout the day at recess, lunch and for certain classes, so it is important to drive slowly through the day.
A reminder that Parkdale Avenue between Colonization Avenue and the west entrance to Park Crescent, a reduced speed limit of 40-kilometres an hour within that zone will be enforced between 8:00am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Marcino also offers some safety tips to kids.
“Stay on the main sidewalks. Use the same route each day. Not using any shortcuts. When crossing the streets, cross at the cross walks and intersections, look both ways when crossing. We never really want to see kids crossing in between obstacles such as parked cars.”
Marcino adds “Children are riding their bikes to and from school. So another thing that we want to remind parents is to make sure that their kids are wearing helmets and that they know the proper hand signals and that they obey the rules of the road.”
If you’re riding a school bus Marcino states “Make sure they know to stay off the street while they are waiting for the bus. Not to get on or off the bus until it comes to a complete stop. And also while riding on the school bus, we want to make sure your child understands that they must remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion.”
For driver a reminder it’s illegal to pass a school bus when their signal lights are flashing.
(Picture: DPS Facebook)
