Children across the Toronto area return to school on Tuesday, kicking off another year of homework, books and, according to popular lore, teachers’ dirty looks.
But as the little tikes hustle off toward higher education, Toronto police are asking motorists to learn some safety lessons on the road.
A traffic safety blitz will be held near Presteign Heights Elementary School, at 2570 St. Clair Ave. E., with officers prepared to give failing grades to road-users who put children at risk.
The Toronto Police Service issued a reminder on Tuesday to exercise caution and drive carefully in and around school zones, asking drivers to pay special attention to children.
“These are precious people. I think we are all on board and agree that we have to protect them,” 54 Division Sgt. Jack West said on Tuesday.
“We have to work together to keep these (school) areas safe.”
Ontario Provincial Police are also reminding motorists across the province to drive cautiously around school buses. Motorists in both directions must stop when a bus extends its “stop” arm, the OPP said.
Failure to yield to school buses can result in a penalty of six demerit points and a $2,000 fine. A second offence could result in a $4,000 fine or six months in jail.
