09/08/2026
It’s that time of year again!
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAFETY REMINDER
Students are heading back to school, which means our roads, sidewalks and school zones will once again be busy. I would like to remind children, parents and drivers to help make everyone’s return a safe one.
For students:
• Use sidewalks and designated crosswalks whenever possible.
• Stop, look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Never run between parked vehicles or into the road.
• Put away phones and headphones while walking or cycling.
• Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or scooter.
• Stay seated and listen to the driver while travelling on a school bus.
For parents:
• Review the safest route to school with your children.
• Remind them never to accept rides or approach unfamiliar vehicles.
• Avoid stopping or parking in no-parking zones when dropping children off.
• Give yourself extra time so nobody feels rushed.
• Teach children to watch for vehicles entering or backing out of driveways.
For drivers:
• Slow down and remain alert in school zones and residential neighbourhoods.
• Watch carefully for children who may unexpectedly enter the road.
• Obey crossing guards and posted speed limits.
• Never pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing and stop arm is extended.
• Put down your phone and eliminate distractions.
• Be patient—an extra minute is never worth risking a child’s life.
• Remember police will be out enforcing traffic laws especially in school zones, follow all the posted speed limits!
Children can be unpredictable, excited and easily distracted. Their safety is the responsibility of everyone sharing the road.
Peterborough Scanner Feed wishes all students, families, teachers, school staff and bus drivers a safe and successful school year!
Please slow down, stay alert and help every child arrive safely.