On Tuesday, September 5th, students will be returning back to school. The Owen Sound Police Service is reminding motorists that the streets and sidewalks will once again be busy with students travelling to and from school, some for the first time and some heading off to different schools for the first time. Students may not always be focusing on safety and motorists are encouraged to slow down and watch for these young pedestrians.

Drivers are encouraged to avoid the intersection of 10th St. West and 9th Avenue West if possible during the morning and afternoon school drop off and pick up times due to the reduced lanes and traffic congestion from construction in this area.

Drivers are also reminded that school buses and crossing guards will be back on our streets. Police are asking drivers to remain alert and be prepared to make unanticipated stops. Failing to stop for a crossing guard displaying a portable stop sign carries a fine of $180.00 and three demerit points. (The fine doubles if in a designated "Community Safety Zone"). Passing a school bus with red lights activated carries a fine of $490.00 and six demerit points.

During the start of school and in the upcoming weeks the Owen Sound Police Service will be focusing their traffic safety efforts on enforcement and education in school zones. This will include speeding, aggressive driving as well as distracted driving. The use of cell phones and other hand-held electronic devices while driving is an ongoing cause of serious collisions.

Police will also be monitoring illegal parking in the area of schools. Parking in prohibited areas around school zones can create safety hazards by impeding bus drop-off areas and limiting driver and pedestrian visibility at school crossings.

source: media release, Owen Sound Police