South Bruce OPP officers are receiving complaints about motorists failing to yield for crosswalks, and school crossing guards in communities like Kincardine.
Police said motorists are proceeding through the crosswalks prior to the pedestrians and crossing guards being off the roadway. Only when pedestrians and school crossing guards have crossed and are safely on the sidewalk can drivers and cyclists proceed.
The fines and penalties for endangering pedestrians on roadways throughout Ontario have increased as of September 1, 2018.
Failing to yield at pedestrian crosswalks, school crossings and crossovers can result in a fine up to $1,000 and four demerit points
Running a red light could cost $1,000 and three demerit points and failure to stop for a school bus means a $2,000 for a first offence, six demerit points and possible jail time for up to six months.
South Bruce OPP want to ensure all motorists are aware that drivers must stop and yield the whole roadway at pedestrian crossovers, school crossings and other locations where there is a crossing guard present and displaying a school crossing stop sign.
Safety tips for drivers & cyclists:
-Always drive with caution and watch for pedestrians waiting to cross, especially when turning -Watch for children -Drive slowly and cautiously through school zones, residential areas and any other area where children are at play -Try to make eye contact with the pedestrian to ensure they see you -Allow the pedestrian to cross the entire width of the road before moving ahead -Do not pass any other vehicle within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossover. -Cyclists should dismount and walk their bike across when crossing.
Some safety tips for pedestrians:
-Cross only at marked crosswalks or traffic lights -Do not cross mid-block or between parked cars -Never cross on a red light -Do not start to cross if you see a flashing "Do Not Walk" symbol or if the light turns yellow -If you already started to cross and the "Do Not Walk" symbol starts flashing, complete your crossing safely -If there is a push button at the crosswalk, press it to activate the flashing lights -Make eye contact with the drivers on both sides of the road before your cross -Only cross when traffic has come to a complete stop and you feel it is safe to cross