Safe roads start with all of us: Back-to-school safety in Clarington

Clarington is committed to ensuring school zones are safe for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. As the excitement of the new school year ramps up, we remind everyone that school zone safety is a year-round priority. We’re asking drivers to do their part by following all posted signs during school drop-off and pick-up. Help keep travel lanes clear for buses and emergency vehicles, improve traffic flow, and ensure school zones are safe for students—all year round. 

Clarington’s Municipal Law Enforcement Officers conduct regular patrols of local school zones to ensure drivers are parking safely and following posted signs. We take a zero-tolerance approach to enforcement because students deserve to get to and from school safely. 

Obey ‘No Parking’ and ‘No Stopping’ signs

No Parking Signs

Parking is prohibited where a 'No Parking' sign is displayed. Temporary stopping is permitted only while actively engaged in loading or unloading passengers or goods. Vehicles left unattended or remaining longer than required to load or unload may be ticketed. 

No Stopping Signs

In school zones, the 'No Stopping' sign indicates that there is no stopping at any time. No stopping means you cannot stop, even momentarily, to pick up or drop off passengers, otherwise your vehicle may be ticketed. 

Slow down in school zones 

As students head back to school, drivers play an important role in keeping our roads and communities safe. School zones are busy areas where children, parents, crossing guards, school buses, and other road users all interact, especially during arrival and dismissal times. Following posted speed limits of 30 kilometres per hour in school zones gives drivers more time to react to unexpected situations, such as a child stepping onto the roadway. A few extra seconds driving cautiously can make a significant difference in protecting young students and ensuring they arrive at school safely. 

Safety tips for motorists 

• Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. It is illegal to use any hand-held device while driving. Distractions can take your attention away from the task of driving and places yourself and others at an increased risk of collision. 
• Look for children and crossing guards near school crosswalks. Wait for the crossing guard to blow the third whistle indicating that the children have completed crossing and the crossing guard has safely returned to the sidewalk/curb before proceeding. 
• As a motorist, you must stop when approaching a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Do not move until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm retracts, and the bus begins to move. 

Walking to school 

Remind children walking to school by themselves to cross the road at a crossing guard location. Children should pay attention to the crossing guard’s instructions and walk across the road in a quick, orderly fashion. Parents can help by setting a good example and respecting the crossing guard’s rules.  

Community Safety Zones  

Community Safety Zones are designated areas where public safety is of special concern, including near schools. They have increased penalties for violations and an increased police presence.  

For more back-to-school safety tips, visit www.clarington.net/backtoschool.