CAA School Safety Patrollers and Toronto Police Service get set to give
parents a lesson on school zone safety

THORNHILL, ON, Oct. 16 /CNW/ - CAA and Toronto Police will be partnering to celebrate the City of Toronto's, School Patroller Appreciation Proclamation, with a safety spot check targeting drivers who risk the lives of young people with dangerous behaviour near school zones.

In lieu of issuing a ticket, offenders will get a warning and spot check notice from the young patrollers who keep their school zone safe every day.

Some of the infractions they will be looking for include parking in a no-parking zone, blocking school buses, speeding, jay-walking and standing in a no-standing zone.

The leading cause of death among children 5-14 years of age is motor vehicle traffic collisions, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada . Last year alone a total of 127 children were involved in one of those collisions in the City of Toronto .

"In today's fast-paced society, children are exposed to dangerous traffic situations that increase their risk of being involved in a collision," said CAA spokesperson Edyta Zdancewicz. "Without realizing it, parents can add to those dangers."

"School safety patrollers are an amazing group of young safety ambassadors," said Toronto Police Constable Jill Miller . "They help to keep their fellow students safe every school day as they go to and from school. Their personal conduct and safety tips act as reminders to students and adults alike to be vigilant in their own actions. This results in safer school zones for all."

City Councillor Adrian Heaps will also be in attendance on behalf of the City of Toronto to declare that week School Safety Patrol week. "Our children's safety and education goes hand-in-hand," said Councillor Heaps. "The children who make up the CAA's School Safety Patrol program should be looked upon as leaders in their communities who make an incredible difference."

    
    Who:    CAA, School Safety Patrollers, Toronto Police Service and
            City of Toronto

    When:   Mon., Oct. 19, 2009
            7:30 am

    Where:  General Brock Public School
            140 Chestnut Crescent (west of Birchmount and north of
            St.Clair Ave.E)
            Scarborough, On
    

For more information about CAA South Central Ontario, visit www.caasco.com. CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club offering insurance, travel and roadside services. There are more than 1.8 million CAA members in Ontario and 5 million members in Canada .

For further information: Media Contact: Edyta Zdancewicz, Media and PR, Public and Government Affairs, 60 Commerce Valley Drive East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 7P9, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]; Follow CAA on twitter @caasco