School Safety
Staying safe in school zones
When it comes to getting to school and driving near school zones, York Regional Police promotes Operation ABC: Always Be Careful. Taking caution saves lives.
When drivers, parents and children all stay alert and follow the rules, school zones across York Region become safer for everyone.
Safe driving in school zones
- Slow down and follow posted speed limits
- Be ready to stop at any time
- Wait until children are fully on the sidewalk before moving
- Follow directions from crossing guards
- Expect children to cross unexpectedly
- Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections
- Drive carefully — your behaviour sets an example for young drivers
Pedestrian safety for children and parents
- Use sidewalks whenever they are available
- Cross streets only at intersections or marked crosswalks
- Always obey crossing guards
- Stop before stepping onto the road
- Make eye contact with drivers and ensure they see you
- Put away phones, earbuds and other distractions
- Wait for the pedestrian signal before crossing
- Look left, right and left again before crossing
- Watch for turning vehicles
- Walk — don’t run, cycle or skateboard across roads
- Only cross when traffic has fully stopped
Safe driving when dropping off or picking up children
- Stopping for school buses with flashing lights
- Watching for children around buses and vehicles
- Parking farther away and walking your child to school when possible
- Arriving early to avoid congestion
- Following all instructions from crossing guards and school staff
- Obeying no-parking zones and school parking rules
- Having children exit vehicles from the passenger side
School bus safety
School buses are one of the safest ways for children to get to and from school. However, most school bus-related injuries happen when kids are getting on or off the bus — which makes safe habits at the bus stop especially important. Teaching children how to behave safely around school buses helps protect them every day of the school year.
Here’s how to help keep kids safe on school buses in York Region.
Safe habits at the school bus stop
To reduce risks, make sure children:
- Arrive at the bus stop early so there’s no rushing
- Stand well back from the edge of the road
- Wait calmly and board the bus in single file
- Avoid pushing or rushing when getting on or off
Safety rules on the school bus
Once on board, children should:
- Keep their head, arms and hands inside the bus at all times
- Avoid distracting the bus driver
- Listen carefully to the driver’s instructions
Safe crossing around school buses
Getting on and off the bus is the most dangerous time, so extra care is needed:
- Always cross in front of the bus, never behind it
- Make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing
- Only cross when the driver signals it is safe
