As children return to school pedestrian traffic increases

In the fall there are many changes that take place in households with school aged children. The biggest is of course that children go back to school after a summer vacation. After a period of time with children out of school, drivers throughout the GTA may not be prepared for the increased traffic around schools. This traffic consists not only of vehicles, but pedestrians as well. Some of those pedestrians are small children who may be difficult for other drivers to see.

In conjunction with back to school the Toronto District School Board and Toronto police partnered to create a safety campaign. Called, “Are you focused on school?” during the four days the campaign runs, police look for drivers engaging in the following behaviors:

• Driving over 40 kilometers per hour in school zones
• Not following no parking and no stopping signs
• Making prohibited turns
• Driving in an aggressive or distracted manner
• Drivers that fail to stop for school buses that have flashing red lights

Drivers caught doing any of these things could face demerit points and fines.

In conjunction with the campaign, pedestrians are being watched as well to make sure they are crossing at intersections, crosswalks and crossovers. Also, law enforcement is asking that parents talk to their children about pedestrian safety rules and make it clear to those around them which direction they are crossing by extending their arms and pointing.

Regardless of the time of year it is important that drivers and pedestrians do what they can to stay safe. Pedestrian accidents involving children can result in devastating injuries to those involved, maybe even death. In these situations a personal injury claim could be appropriate.