OPP reminds residents to be safe on roadways as kids head back to school

It’s the first day of school for many students in Ontario and police are reminding residents to be cautious on the roadways.

Students will be headed back to class in Niagara and Halton Regions Tuesday.

Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic and public schools will be returning on Wednesday.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding residents to take extra care on roadways as people are settling back into the routine of school.

Drivers are reminded that the traffic volume will increase, and commute times may be affected by bus routes.

“Just a reminder that the registered owner of a vehicle can be charged if that vehicle is identified as one that fails to stop for a school bus when its overhead red signal lights are flashing,” said OPP in a news release.

Police are also reminding cyclists that children under the age of 18 are required by law to wear a properly fitted and fastened bike helmet.

“Cyclists must obey the same rules of the road that other vehicles do and always keep your eyes and ears open as sometimes other vehicles may not see you,” added OPP.

School starts tomorrow morning for most students. Are you ready? Are THEY ready? Here's Constable Jillian Johnson with some tips to keep everyone safe as school buses return to our roads. ^dr pic.twitter.com/5uJYI0aj7z

— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) September 6, 2021