With school back in session, Toronto police are urging motorists to slow down and use caution while driving in school zones.
Officers will be targeting the areas to crack down on motorists who speed and drive aggressively.
An enforcement blitz at Scarborough Golf Club Road saw police hand out a ticket every minute. Two of the speeding tickets were issued to school bus drivers.
Toronto police say drivers need to remain alert when in a school zone to prevent fatalities.
"Take your time, scout it out a head of time and things will be much safer. This is a simple recipe; this isn't the cure for cancer we're asking for. We're just asking people to take some time and be aware of others," Sgt. Paul Lobsinger told CTV News on Tuesday.
"This will work; we will really bring down the numbers when it comes to injury and fatal collisions."
Police will also be targeting pedestrians in school zones who disobey crosswalk and intersection rules.
Vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death and hospitalization for Canadian children under the age of 14.
Police are also reminding students to be careful while carrying electronic gadgets -- such as portable music players, video games and cell phones -- to school.
Thieves who rob children of these devices tend to commit the thefts near schools during lunchtime and immediately after school, police said.
Some precautions students can take before heading to school:
Keep cash, music players, cellphones or other valuables nearby and out of view;
- If the device is not needed at school, it should be left at home;
- Record all serial numbers and keep that information in a safe place;
- Try to stay in groups or with friends;
- Be aware of who is around you; and
- Report any criminal or suspicious incident to police and your school.
