Preparing for a safe return to school

As we enter the last official long weekend of summer holidays, the Barrie Police Service reminds all motorists that students will be heading back to school on Tuesday, September 6. This means the routes to local schools will again be shared with school buses as well as parents and children walking or biking to school.

Motorists are encouraged to plan a little extra time and if possible, to leave early or to take a different route for the first few days. Usually after the first week, routines will be established and any congested areas around school driveways and drop off locations will diminish.

Parents of children walking to and from school are encouraged to walk the route with your child in advance so that they are familiar of how to safely get to school and return home. If you feel they are not ready to do this walk alone, walk with them until you are comfortable with their ability to do so or suggest they walk with a friend. Parents should also talk to their children and remind them of the dangers associated with talking to strangers.

The Barrie Police Service wants to ensure that every student arrives safely, returns home safely and that their school experience is positive. 

• Drivers must stop whenever they approach a stopped school bus with its upper alternating red lights flashing or when the red lights are flashing and the stop arm and stop sign are deployed. Drivers are required to stop whether they are behind the bus or approaching it from the front. Do not move forward until the bus moves or the lights have stopped flashing. 

• You must obey the school bus law on any road, no matter how many lanes or what the speed limit. (Unless there is a median strip: A median is a physical barrier such as a raised, lowered, earth or paved strip constructed to separate traffic travelling in different directions. Vehicles cannot cross over a median strip.) 

• Be prepared to stop for a school bus at any time, not just within school hours. 

• If you don’t stop, you can be fined $400 to $2,000 and will receive six demerit points for a first offence.   

• Never walk or ride your bike with earbuds or headphones on; you need to be able to hear what is taking place around you. Please remember that children under the age of 18 must wear an approved helmet if riding a bicycle. 

• Students who are required to take a school bus are reminded to always listen to the driver when entering and exiting the bus. Passengers should always cross the street in front of the bus and always look both ways before crossing a road.

Expect to see an increased police presence in and around the schools for the next few weeks particularly during scheduled arrival and departure times.

The Barrie Police Service wishes all students, teachers, and staff members a safe and happy return to school!