Back-to-school

A Time for Extra Safety

Brampton, Ontario – Starting September 2, Brampton’s streets and walkways will once again be filled with children walking to school. After a summer of quiet school zones and relatively light commuter traffic, the throngs of young pedestrians returning to school may catch drivers by surprise. It’s a time to practice extra caution near school zones, intersections and playgrounds.

The member agencies of the Brampton Road Safety Committee have been working together for the past couple of months preparing activities to make drivers and pedestrians aware of the need for more caution on our streets during the back-to-school change. Here is a summary of their plans.

The Brampton Safety Council will activate its network of more than 150 Crossing Guards in city neighbourhoods for the school year. These dedicated men and women will be at their assigned stations Monday to Friday, leading children safely across busy roadways. This year, the Crossing Guards will get an early start a few days ahead of school start-up. On Friday, Aug 29, they’ll be on their regular sites, waving special signs to alert drivers that children will be back after the Labour Day weekend. It’s a great way to give drivers a ‘heads-up’.

The Safety Council is also developing a new DVD to show parents and other drivers how to safely drop-off or pick-up their children from school zones. It is hoped this innovative DVD will help to lessen the confusion and traffic congestion that exists in many school zones now.

The City Of Brampton has recently increased the number of radar messaging boards it has on display across the city. Brampton’s Traffic Engineering Services Department now has 40 radar boards for placement in neighbourhood locations where speeding is a concern. During the Back-to-School period, many of these will be positioned in school zones. The Radar Messaging Boards remind drivers of the speed limit, and the need to slow down on our residential streets.

Peel Regional Police will launch its ‘Back-to-School’ safety blitz starting Tuesday, September 2 with stepped-up enforcement in school zones, and a ‘zero tolerance’ for drivers not complying with traffic laws.

The Brampton Safe City Association has been busy throughout the summer with its Community Safety Team, promoting road safety in residential neighbourhoods, and reporting dangerous drivers to Peel Police through the Road Watch program. Safe City’s team of college students has delivered more than 25,000 road safety educational packages to Brampton homes this summer. These packages contain excellent information for parents and children on how to stay safe while cycling or skateboarding.

The Peel Safe & Active Routes To School Committee will also be promoting pedestrian safety for children walking to and from school. Their annual “Walk to School Day’ is scheduled for early October. The Committee promotes both safety and physical activity. Parents and students can learn more about their programs and upcoming events by emailing: healthlinepeel@peelregion.ca, or by calling the Region of Peel at 905-799-7700.

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has created new literature to support school zone and school bus safety. It is available to schools and community groups upon request. Their website is www.mto.gov.on.ca.

CN Rail actively promotes pedestrian safety near rail lines. They provide safety education for children, and tips for parents on how to keep kids safe when walking to school near railway tracks.

On September 4, Brampton Fire & Emergency Services, in partnership with Sheridan College, will be holding an auto extrication & rescue demonstration at the Davis Campus to show incoming Sheridan students the potential deadly effects of drinking and driving.

Early September is a critical time for drivers and young pedestrians as we all make adjustments for the new school year. For more tips on back-to-school safety, visit www.peelpolice.on.ca.