Owen Sound Police Promote Back to School and Labour Day Weekend Traffic Safety

Next week is back to school for most students across Ontario. 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.

Students may not always be focusing on traffic safety and motorists are encouraged to slow down and be extra cautious.

Drivers are also reminded that school buses and crossing guards will be back on our roadways. 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”). Not stopping for a school bus with red lights activated carries a fine of $490.00 and six demerit points.

In the coming 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 illegal parking in the area of schools. Parking in prohibited areas around schools can create safety hazards by impeding bus drop-off areas and limiting driver and pedestrian visibility at school crossings.

The Owen Sound Police is also encouraging citizens to enjoy their Labour Day weekend responsibly on roadways and waterways. The Owen Sound Police will be conducting R.I.D.E. spot checks at various times and locations throughout the Labour Day weekend, as well as focusing traffic enforcement toward those offences related to aggressive driving and distracted driving(texting and cell phone use).

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