In Ottawa, students return to class in August and September. With more children walking, cycling, and taking the bus, it’s important for drivers, parents, and students to do their part to stay alert and help keep roads and school zones safe. 

Drivers should slow down in school zones, watch for pedestrians, crossing guards, and cyclists, and be prepared to stop.

Always obey school bus signals, stop in both directions on roads without a median when red lights are flashing and don’t forget yield to pedestrians at both crossovers and intersections. 

Parents can help by reviewing safe routes to school with their children, reminding them to make eye contact with drivers before crossing, and ensuring young cyclists wear helmets. Cyclists should also dismount before crossing the road. Students are encouraged to follow the directions of crossing guards, stay alert by putting phones and headphones away, and use sidewalks or marked crossings whenever possible.