Back to School: Safety Tips for Drivers & Parents

The school season is a busy and exciting time for families. Watching your children head off to new classrooms, friendships, and adventures is a moment worth celebrating.

With that excitement comes busier roads. With school buses, pedestrians, and cyclists all on the move, sidewalks and crosswalks can become especially crowded. Our team at CAA Niagara put together some tips for drivers and parents to help everyone get where they're going safely this school season.

School Zones: What to Know 

Drivers:

• Slow down in school zones: 40 km/ hr is the speed limit in school zones. Be aware of speed signs and adjust your speed as needed.
• Stay alert for kids near your vehicle: Children don’t always cross at designated crosswalks and they can step out unexpectedly. Check your blind spots and be aware on the road.
• Stop at all designated crosswalks: Be aware of crossing guards and follow their directions.

Fun Fact: Slowing your speed will only adds on average 18 seconds of travel time between intersections. Slowing Down is a small sacrifice for safety.  

Parents & Children:

• Use sidewalks and crosswalks: Always look both ways. Cars may not see you—ensuring you see them is a precaution that keeps you and your children safe.
• Avoid distractions: Keep phones and headphones away, using all your senses helps you be prepared for anything that comes your way.

Safety Tip: Before the first day of school, walk the route once or twice before the first day of school. Explain where to cross & how to stay safe on the road. Preparation is one way to set up your child for success on their route.

Bicycle Safety for All

Drivers:

• Watch for bike lanes and keep an extra eye out for children. They are harder to see in your blind spot, so make sure to do an extra shoulder check before turning.
• When bike lanes aren’t available, cyclists may need to ride farther into the lane. Give them plenty of space, avoid passing when the lane is too narrow, and make sure all lanes are clear of cyclists before turning. 

Children and Parents:

• Proper safety equipment is essential for a safe ride: ensure a properly fitted helmet is prepared before they ride to school. It’s the law in Ontario for anyone under 18.
• Teach hand signals and introduce them into every ride to help drivers know your next move.
• Ride on the right side of the road and obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Add lights and reflectors to bikes and to backpacks if possible: being seen is a top deterrent in accidents.

Be Prepared for a Stress-Free Morning

• Have backpacks ready to go with all supplies to avoid being rushed.
• Know the drop off zones before the first drop off: arrive knowing when it is, and teach kids to exit at the curb for a safe drop off practice.

We know the start of the school year is different for everyone. Whether you’re a parent preparing your child for success or a commuter who passes through school zones, knowing safety tips help everyone arrive safe.