Back to School

For many young people it will be there first day at school.

Some might also be new to the neighborhood as they moved over the summer. Motorists need to slow down in all school zones and follow the posted speed limits.

City crews have been busy marking cross walks and fresh yellow paint might also mark out the no parking zones. When travelling in and around our schools watch for pedestrians who are crossing or being dropped off by mom and dad. Parents please try to drop off your children on the school side thus preventing them from crossing the street. School zones are busy as excited children head back to school. Watch for our children loading and unloading from school buses.

While school buses do not use their red signals and flashing stop arm in the city, we as motorists need to watch as children load and unload from buses daily. Mom and dad remind your children to cross at the corner, stop, look both ways and we sure you are seen by oncoming traffic before crossing the street.

For those schools with school patrollers, please obey the instructions of our patrollers as they guide everyone safely to and from school.

Those students who ride the bus to and from school need to follow a few other simple reminders. Please wait a safe distance from the road way while the bus pulls up to get you. Please remain in your seat while on the bus. No pushing as you enter or exit the bus.

When being unloaded from the bus always wait till the bus has pulled away if you must cross the street to get home. Thank you to all our bus drivers who log countless hours ensuring the safe travels of hundreds of children each and every school day.

Back to school means packing along a lunch. Parents need to choose healthy choices that can involve your child in the making of that important school lunch. Be mindful of food allergies not for your child but others in the classroom. Many schools have nut free policies, so if you are new to the school please check their school policy.

Switching gears to the coming Labor Day long weekend, SGI tells us that statistically you are more likely to be involved in a collision on a long weekend than at any other time of the year simply due to more traffic.

Slow down, limit distractions and ensure your vehicle is ready for the weekend travels ahead. For many folks it does signal an end to summer by starting to close up the cottage or trailer. But it also gives us a chance to catch up on long weekend chores.

Whether painting, building a deck or fixing a fence, please do so safely. Follow the instructions on all products like paint and follow the operating guidelines for all power tools. Spending time on the deck is much better than hanging out in the hospital emergency room waiting for some stitches.

by Lyle Karasiuk

Back to School

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