Stay alert in school zones this September

Aug. 25, 2021 1:00 p.m.
​New reduced speed limits and other protocols are designed to keep our kids safe
 
 In-person classes are almost back in session – which means a lot more traffic in school zone areas. To help ensure all motorists, cyclists and pedestrians safely travel to and from school, the City of Vaughan is reminding citizens to stay vigilant and prioritize safety protocols.
 
In actively taking steps to ensure the safety of all road users, the City has implemented a new Speed Limit Policy to set and adjust appropriate speed limits throughout the community. As part of the City’s MoveSmart Mobility Management Strategy, the policy focuses on four areas within Vaughan’s road network: rural roadways, built-up/urban areas (including school zones), public laneways and select neighbourhoods. Reduced speed limits to 40 kilometres per hour from 50 kilometres per hour in all school zone areas will be implemented by Sept. 8, 2021. Keep an eye out for signage to indicate the change. For more information and updates on the City’s Speed Limit Policy, visit vaughan.ca/SpeedPolicy.
 
Children, parents and drivers need to be alert and follow the rules of the road. Take extra precautions around crosswalks, pedestrian crossovers, stopped school buses, schools and intersections.
 
Tips for all pedestrians:
  • Walk young children to school.
  • Encourage children to always obey crossing guards.
  • Walk, don’t run, when crossing the street.
  • Pay attention to vehicular traffic while walking along or crossing roads.
  • Obey all traffic rules and signals.
  • Ensure you are visible to drivers and cyclists, and make eye contact once they have stopped before crossing.
  • Cross at designated crosswalks, crossovers or controlled intersections only.
  • Be mindful of slippery conditions on sidewalks and roadways.

Tips for drivers and cyclists: 

  • Reduce speed in school zones, especially when slippery conditions are present, and be ready to stop at all times.
  • Ensure to give yourself enough time to get to your destination without the need for speed.
  • Expect the unexpected. Children may cross the street at the wrong place, run into oncoming traffic or ride a bike in front of a vehicle without warning.
  • Stop for school buses and be aware of children running in front of or behind buses.
  • Avoid U-turns in school zones.
  • Do not pass other vehicles in a school zone.
  • Obey the rules of the road, including posted speed limits.
  • Abide by all parking and traffic regulations in school zones.
  • Obey crossing guard signals and yield to pedestrians.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings. Watch for, stop and yield the whole roadway to pedestrians when approaching a pedestrian crossover. (Failing to do so may result in fines from York Regional Police of up to $1,000 and four demerit points.)
  • Avoid distractions within the vehicle and ensure children are secured in a correctly installed child restraint seat if required.
  • Ensure children exit by the passenger side of the vehicle.
  • Keep fire routes and bus zones clear.
  • Leave nine metres (or 29 feet) between the car and the crosswalks and/or stop signs when parking. Parking too close to these locations makes it difficult to see children when crossing the road.
  • Avoid double parking in school zones.
  • Watch for signs indicating “No Stopping” and “No Parking.”
  • Stay back 0.6 metres (or two feet) from private driveways to avoid upsetting residents.
School zone safety is a joint priority for the City’s Transportation and Fleet Management Services, By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services and Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service departments. Together with York Regional Police, York Region, York Region District School Board and York Catholic District School Board, the City is working to ensure all community members' safety.   
 
School zone safety is a top priority for the City – especially during COVID-19. In response to the pandemic, the City has taken the following precautions to keep everyone healthy:
  • Training crossing guards on COVID-19-related procedures and safety measures.
  • Providing crossing guards with masks.
  • Requiring crossing guards to complete the Province's COVID-19 self-assessment questionnaire before reporting to work each day to ensure they are symptom-free.
  • Installing signage at all school crossing guard locations to reinforce physical distancing.
 
Visit vaughan.ca/SchoolZoneSafety for more information.
 
Those who feel unwell, and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19, should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on the virus, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
 
To receive Vaughan’s latest updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels.
 
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