Keeping Our School Zones Safe

School zones should be some of the safest places in our community. Every weekday, hundreds of children and families are walking, cycling, scootering, and being dropped off near schools. A few extra seconds of care from drivers and pedestrians can make a life saving difference.

Here is why safety matters so much around schools and what we are all doing to protect students and nearby neighbours.

🚗 Slow Down: Speeding Saves No Time

Speeding in a school zone dramatically increases the risk and severity of injuries. Reduced speed limits are in place because children can be unpredictable and are often harder to see between parked cars or at busy corners.

What drivers can do:

• Obey posted school zone speed limits at all times.

• Watch for crossing guards and students stepping into crosswalks.

• Allow extra travel time during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.

• Drop off students at the designated times.

🔄 Illegal Turns Create Big Risks

U turns, rolling through stop signs, and quick right turns on red can put students directly in harm’s way.

Remember to:

• Come to a full stop at stop signs and red lights.

• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

• Avoid sudden lane changes near school entrances.

🚫 Parking Rules Keep Sightlines Clear

Stopping or parking in no parking and no stopping zones blocks visibility for drivers, crossing guards, and children trying to cross the street. Even a short stop can create a dangerous blind spot.

Please avoid:

• Parking near corners or crosswalks.

• Double parking.

• Stopping in bus loading areas or fire routes.

• Use designated pick up and drop off areas whenever possible.

🚶 Pedestrian Safety Matters Too

Students and parents also play a role in keeping school areas safe.

Helpful habits include:

• Crossing only at marked crosswalks.

• Making eye contact with drivers before stepping onto the road.

• Avoiding jaywalking between parked vehicles.

• Do not hold traffic when jaywalking.

• Following instructions from crossing guards.

🏘️ Respecting the Neighbourhood

School zones are also home to residents who deserve safe and peaceful streets.

Please remember:

• Do not block driveways or building entrances.

• Avoid idling for long periods.

• Keep noise to a minimum during early mornings.

• Use designated drop off areas instead of residential parking lots or private roads.

Courtesy goes a long way in keeping traffic flowing and maintaining good relationships with neighbours.

👮 Enforcement and Patrols

Regular patrols by municipal bylaw officers and York Regional Police help reinforce safe behaviour in school zones. These patrols focus on speeding, illegal parking, unsafe turns, and other dangerous driving behaviours during peak school times.

Their presence is an important part of keeping everyone accountable and reminding us that safety comes first.

🤝 A Shared Responsibility

Keeping school zones safe is not only about rules and enforcement. It is about community care.

When drivers slow down, park legally, and stay alert, when pedestrians cross safely and follow signals, and when everyone respects nearby residents, we create calmer streets and safer routes to school for every child.

Let’s all do our part to protect students and make school zones places where families and neighbours feel confident and secure every day.