As students across Hamilton return to classrooms, the Hamilton Police Service is reminding drivers, students, parents and all road users to slow down, stay alert and make safety a priority around schools, school buses and residential neighbourhoods.
The first days of school bring increased pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic to our roads. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring students can travel to and from school safely.
School bus safety
School buses make frequent stops to pick up and drop off students. Drivers are reminded to:
- Stop when approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Drivers travelling in both directions must stop unless separated from the bus by a median.
- Remain stopped until the bus has resumed motion, the lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm is no longer extended.
- Never pass a stopped school bus.
- Watch carefully for children who may be crossing the road or walking near a bus.
- Allow extra time when travelling through neighbourhoods during school drop-off and pick-up periods.
- Parents and caregivers should remind children to wait for the bus at a safe distance from the roadway and to follow the bus driver's instructions.
E-bike and e-scooter safety
Students using e-bikes and e-scooters to travel to school should understand the rules of the road and take appropriate safety precautions.
Riders are reminded:
- You must be at least 16 years of age to operate an e-bike or e-scooter.
- Riders 16-17 years old must wear a helmet.
- Follow traffic signs, signals and applicable rules of the road.
- Use lights and reflective equipment when riding in low-light conditions.
- Be especially cautious at intersections, driveways and pedestrian crossings.
- Parents and caregivers are encouraged to discuss safe riding habits with young people before they begin travelling to school independently.
Driver awareness
Drivers are reminded that children do not always behave predictably around roadways. A child may suddenly enter the street, cross between parked vehicles or be distracted by friends.
Drivers should:
- Slow down and remain alert in school zones and residential neighbourhoods.
- Follow posted speed limits and obey crossing guards.
- Stop and yield to pedestrians who are crossing the roadway.
- Avoid stopping or parking in locations that block crosswalks, sidewalks, bus stops or sightlines.
- Put phones and other distractions away while driving.
- Check carefully for pedestrians and cyclists before turning or opening a vehicle door.
- Expect increased congestion and leave earlier rather than rushing through school-area traffic.
Hamilton Police will have an increased presence around schools as students return to class and will continue to monitor traffic and address unsafe driving behaviour.
The Hamilton Police Service wishes all students, families, educators and school staff a safe and successful school year.
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