By Jeff Helsdon
Tillsonburg Post
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Oxford Detachment, wants to remind parents, children and drivers several safety tips in an effort to ensure children in our community have a safe, healthy, and happy year.
Parents and guardians must ensure that children know the rules and safety recommendations before the first day of school.
Drivers must pay attention and adhere to the rules of the road keeping everyone safe including those within school zones.
For parents and children:
Walk on sidewalks when available, not on the road,
Always cross at an intersection or crosswalk,
Obey crossing guards,
Be visible and indicate your intention to cross,
Look and listen for traffic - turn off or mute any device that impairs your hearing,
Cyclists should wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmets and,
Cyclists must also follow the same rules of the road as motorists and stay alert to their surroundings at all times.
For drivers in school zones:
Reduce speed and drive with caution,
Be prepared to stop at all times,
Wait for children to reach the sidewalk before proceeding,
When signaled to do so, stop for school buses,
Anticipate children in the area, they could run out from between vehicles or behind buses,
Always be prepared to yield to pedestrians waiting to cross the roadway, or while approaching a cross walk and,
Remember children expect you to stop.
Officers will be patrolling Oxford County roadways throughout the school year, with a focus on school zones and bus stops.
"The start of a new school year brings excitement to our communities,” said Oxford County Acting Inspector Davide Barnabi. “Our youth represent the future, and the OPP is committed to ensuring their safety by educating the public, taking proactive measures, and enforcing laws related to speeds in school zones and stopping for school buses. That said, it takes all of us to ensure our people and roads remain safe for everyone. Please stay vigilant, be patient, and show compassion towards others."
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