The carefree days of summer are over for students across the London region.
Tuesday marks the first day of school for students in the Thames Valley District School Board and the London District Catholic School Board. Once again, drivers are being reminded that the streets and sidewalks will be busier, and they should drive accordingly.
According to the Canadian Automobile Association study, nine out of 10 parents said they have seen bad driving behaviours in school zones. Those behaviours include speeding, distracted driving, not stopping at marked crosswalks, and not stopping for school buses that have their stop arms extended.
"Everyone plays a role around safety in school zones," said Elliott Silverstein, manager of government relations for CAA South Central Ontario. "It is important for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to have patience to ensure everyone's safety. As we embark on a new school year, it is a timely reminder for everyone give yourself ample time to get through school zones, follow posted speed limits, and focus on safe driving habits."
That sentiment is echoed by London police Constable Sandasha Bough. She said it's important for drivers to recognize that, on the first day of school, children may not have their own safety at the top of their minds and so it's up to drivers to play a bigger role in keeping kids safe.
"Kids are excited. It's their first day back to school and some are seeing friends that they haven't seen for most of the summer," Bough said. "And so, we're just reminding motorists to be vigilant. Be aware of your surroundings and make sure you are paying attention to, not only the roadways, but those young children that may be darting across the street."
While drivers are going to have to be vigilant, the CAA has some tips that parents can stress to their kids as they send them off to school. It suggests young pedestrians always make sure they stop before stepping onto the road, look in all directions before crossing the street, and walk instead of running across the street.
And for drivers who might not be thinking primarily of the safety of children walking to school and are likely to drive faster than the 40km/h limit in school zones, Constable Bough has a message.
"We'll have officers out there," she said. "They'll be enforcing the rules of the road, especially in those school zones."