School’s in session, so slow down say OPP

With the Labour Day long weekend now over, both the French and English schools in the region are now all open for business. Police urge drivers to make sure they obey the posted speed limits within school zones.

Last month’s fatal accident in the City of Ottawa, involving a cyclist who was struck and killed by a large truck, has highlighted the special risk posed for both cyclists and pedestrians when dealing with traffic. Police are asking drivers to take special care when going through a school zone, to watch for students who may be going to and from school on foot or on a bike rather than taking a school bus or getting a lift from a parent.

Parents of school children are also urged to make sure their children know the rules of the road if they are on foot or on a bike, and that all students cycling to school wear a pro- per safety helmet. Pedestrian traffic stays on the side of the road facing oncoming vehicle traffic. Cyclists are supposed to follow the same lane as vehicle traffic and keep to the right-of-way whenever possible. All bicycles should have a rearview mirror attached to allow a cyclist to check for traffic behind, otherwise cyclists should look behind them on a regular basis to check for cars and trucks coming up from behind.

Cyclists travelling in pairs or in groups must go in single-file formation, not bunched up together and spreading out into the traffic lane. Some drivers may not slow down fast enough to be able to swerve aside in such a situation. Also, cyclists should not have ear pods on to listen to music while they ride, as this may prevent them from hearing any traffic coming up from behind.

Motorists are also reminded to slow down and stop when they see a school bus with flashing lights. Wait until students have gotten on or off the bus and the bus has started moving itself before resuming travel.