Police Ramping Up Traffic Enforcement Near School Zones

Burlington | Halton | Milton | Oakville | Ontario | Latest News |

Published August 29, 2017 at 2:50 pm

A back-to-school traffic campaign is underway as Halton police run Project Safe Start.

A back-to-school traffic campaign is underway as Halton police run Project Safe Start.

“Children are our most vulnerable road users,” said Sgt. Ryan Snow from the traffic services unit, adding “all children deserve to attend school safely.”

It’s a traffic campaign to remind drivers to watch for the flashing 40km/hr speed zones and be mindful when driving in or near school zones.

Motorists are being encouraged to slow down, drive sober and avoid using your cell phone at all times when driving.

The 10th annual campaign is focusing on education, awareness and high-visibility enforcement of traffic laws in and around school zones in Halton Region.

The project runs for two weeks, ending on Sept. 8.

More than 100,000 students are returning to school in Halton Region on Tuesday, September 5, 2017.

Motorists should be on heightened alert for increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic in and around school zones.

Police are reminding motorists to:

  • Drive at a safe speed. Aggressive driving such as speeding, tailgating and failing to comply with road signs increase the likelihood of a collision. Aggressive driving reduces your reaction time and makes your vehicle movements unpredictable to other drivers.
  • Be aware of your surroundings when driving. There are three types of distraction: taking your eyes off the road, taking your hands off the wheel and taking your mind off driving. Holding your cellular phone in your hands is an offence, regardless of whether you are talking on it, using the navigation system or changing a song. This is still applicable when stopped at a red light. Did you know that texting while driving increases the risk of a collision by 23 times?
  • Drive responsibly. Drug and alcohol impaired driving can result in serious injury or death to you, your loved ones and other road users. Impairment slows your ability to react to changing road conditions. Drinking before driving and any form of drug use will affect your ability to drive.

File photo courtesy of Halton Regional Police

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