Back to School Safety Tips

Operation ABC - Always Be Careful

York Regional Police considers pedestrian safety a priority - especially near schools where parents, teachers, motorists and children must be extra cautious. Parents and teachers must ensure that children know the proper safety rules in order to keep York Region's school zones safe for everyone.

For drivers in school zones:

• Reduce speed
• Be ready to stop at all times
• Wait for children to reach the sidewalk before proceeding
• Obey crossing guards
• Drive with caution, as you set an example for young drivers
• Always be prepared to yield to pedestrians waiting to cross the roadway, or while approaching a cross walk
• Remember that children expect you to stop

For parents and children:

• Walk on available sidewalks - never on the road
• Always cross at an intersection or crosswalk
• Obey crossing guards

When crossing intersections:

• Stop before stepping onto the road
• Be visible and indicate your intention to cross
• Turn off or mute any device that impairs your hearing, like an iPod or MP3 player
• Do not text or play handheld video games while crossing the road
• Look and listen for traffic in all directions
• When one is available, push the cross button
• Wait until you see the pedestrian walk signal
• Look and listen for traffic in all directions
• Keep an eye out for turning vehicles
• Walk - do not run, cycle or skateboard across the road
• Cross only when the road is clear

When driving children to school:

• Stop for school buses and be aware of children running in front of or behind buses
• Park away from the school and walk your child onto school property
• Arrive early to avoid traffic congestion
• Obey all crossing guards and safety officials
• Do not park in a No Parking zone
• Have children exit vehicle from the passenger side
• Obey all parking lot rules