(File photo/paNOW)

By paNOW Staff

Be an A+ driver

Slow down, school is back in session

Sep 2, 2025 | 11:45 AM

School zones were once again a buzz of activity this morning as children made their way back to school after the summer holidays.

SGI is reminding the public to be aware of more foot traffic and school buses on the road.

In a news release issued Tuesday morning, SGI said the faster a vehicle is moving, the greater the risk of injury or fatality in the event of a collision. Slowing down and focusing on the road gives drivers more time to react if a child steps into the street unexpectedly. Drivers should keep cellphones and other distractions stowed away to keep their focus on the road.

“Thankfully, vehicle-pedestrian collisions in school zones are rare. We’d like to keep it that way. Reduced speed limits that drivers are required to follow in school zones is one reason collisions near schools are rare,” said JP Cullen, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund. “If drivers continue to pay close attention to posted speed limits and keep their focus on the road, they help keep children safe.”

If not, speeders may face hefty fines with tickets starting at $170 and increasing $4 for every kilometre per hour over the limit. Penalties also include a minimum additional $60 Victims of Crime surcharge.

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As an example, getting caught driver 20 km/h over the posted limit in a school zone would result in a $310 ticket, plus 3 demerit points under the Safe Driver Recognition program.

Parents dropping off kids are reminded to do it in a designated area.

When school buses are stopped with amber lights flashing, slow down and check for children who may be crossing.

Avoid U-turns in school zones, as some municipalities don’t allow them.

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