NEWS RELEASE
WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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As summer winds down and students and staff are preparing to begin a new academic year, the Waterloo Regional Police want to remind the community to make safety a top priority.
All road users are reminded to watch out for children walking and biking to school and to be mindful of crossing guards assisting children across the road. Motorists are also reminded to stop in both directions for school buses when they see overhead red warning signals and a flashing stop sign. New this year, school buses are equipped with amber flashing lights, indicating caution – please slow down and be prepared to stop.
We encourage drivers to give themselves extra time to reach their destination. Slow down and obey signage for no stopping, no parking and reduced speed limits in school zones.
Parents and caregivers are asked to promote safety with their children and remind them to stay alert, whether on the school bus or while walking or biking. They are also encouraged to:
- Plan a safe route to and from school, and practice the route before school resumes.
- Cross at an intersection, crosswalk or with a crossing guard.
- Avoid distractions and put away electronic devices.
- Establish a plan for school pickup with family or friends.
As part of our annual #WalkTheChalk event, Waterloo Regional Police are once again encouraging parents, caregivers, and children to take time on the days leading up to Sept. 6, 2022, to go outside and write safety messages along school routes with chalk. The intent is for students to read these messages as they walk to school on the first day and help encourage safe walking and biking. Parents, caregivers and children are also invited to send us a drawing, photo or video of their back-to-school safety message.
The Waterloo Regional Police will also be taking part in Project Safe Semester, a campaign that promotes the safety and well-being of University and College students. The campaign will run until Sept. 24, 2022, to help ensure the safety and security of all community members.
Post-secondary students are encouraged to consider the following tips:
- Lock doors, secure property, and ensure window coverings are closed in bedrooms and bathrooms to ensure ultimate privacy.
- Don’t let anyone into a building that they don’t know.
- Walk in groups whenever possible.
- Cross roads at designated locations, in accordance with traffic signals.
- If consuming alcohol or drugs, do so responsibly. Plan ahead to help ensure a safe arrival and return.
- Report any suspicious activity or individuals to police immediately.
In addition, members of our Traffic Services Unit will be conducting enforcement, to target high-risk driving behaviours which impact the safety of children, cyclists, and pedestrians in school zones throughout Waterloo Region. Motorists are reminded to slow down, pay attention and watch for pedestrians crossing at crosswalks.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all children. Together with parents, caregivers and our community partners, we can help make safety a top priority in our community throughout the school year.
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