Improving safety in school and community safety zones

Proposed legislation would aim to strengthen road safety in school zones

THORNHILL, ON, Nov. 10, 2016 /CNW/ - Municipalities across Ontario may soon have additional road safety tools available to them in ‎school and community safety zones, if proposed legislation by the provincial government is passed. The proposed legislation would enable municipalities to utilize technology on municipal roads to help address safety issues in these zones.

"Municipalities and our road safety partners have strongly advocated for tougher measures to stop dangerous drivers and better protect pedestrians. These measures would strengthen road safety in school zones and help municipalities keep their communities safe", said the Hon. Steven Del Duca, Ontario's Minister of Transportation.

For nearly 90 years, CAA has advocated for school zone safety in Ontario. The CAA School Safety Patrol program is a joint effort between CAA, the police, school boards, teachers, parents and more than 20,000 dedicated student volunteers. Those involved give their time to ensure their peers remain safe at road crossings and on school buses throughout Ontario. Currently, over 800 schools in Ontario participate in the CAA School Safety Patrol program and CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) partners with over 55 police services to deliver the program.

"The safety of all road users is a critical factor for CAA. As a provider of one of the longest standing school zone safety programs, the CAA School Safety Patrol program, CAA is pleased that these additional measures will become part of the toolkit to help municipalities and law enforcement across the province. By introducing these options, there is continued focus on making Ontario's municipal roads even safer, with particular emphasis on children and communities", said Elliott Silverstein, Government Relations Manager, CAA SCO.

CAA SCO reminds drivers to stay alert in school and community safety zones by:

• Avoiding use of your phone or activities that may take your attention away from the road.
• Always checking for children on the sidewalk, driveway and behind your vehicle before backing up.
• Slowing down and paying extra attention in residential areas and school zones.
• Being ready to stop at all times as children may dart out between parked vehicles.
• Coming to a complete stop for school buses when red lights are flashing.
  If you fail to do so, you could face a fine of up to $2,000 and six demerit points.

For more information on CAA's School Safety Patrol program, visit www.caaschoolsafetypatrol.com.

As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of 2 million members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads.

SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario

Media contact: Jeff LeMoine, Communications Consultant, CAA SCO [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone] or Tony Tsai, Director of Corporate Communications, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone].