It’s a new school year, but the same message from police – slow down in school zones.
Durham police Constable George Tudos says it’s going to be busy again.
“We’re hoping that drivers will be cognizant that there’s going to be a lot of kids, especially around school areas,” Tudos said. “I know that students will be excited.”
Many children will be walking to schools as well so Tudos is warning pedestrians to be careful as well.
“Keep an eye out for vehicles,” Tudos explained. “Make sure you look both ways before crossing the road and make sure you cross at a designated crossing area.”
For students who take a bus, you’ll notice new amber-coloured flashing lights on them.
The amber lights mean the school bus is about to stop while the red means it has stopped and is unloading or loading children.
Schools busses now have RED and AMBER lights. ??????????
??Flashing Amber?? – Bus is preparing to stop and drivers should slow down and prepare to stop.
??Flashing Red??and Stop Arm out – Bus is loading students and drivers approaching must stop. pic.twitter.com/CSUdfpVAcD— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) September 6, 2022
Police are also asking parents to be extra cautious of what they post on social media for the first day of school.
While some take pictures to remember the first day of a new grade, officers are warning against putting too much personal information about a child online.
“Always try to be cognisant of what you post, don’t put too much information, try to keep it general or vague.” said Tudos. “Make sure that you do look at your security settings so that you are sharing content with only family and friends.”
Back to school tomorrow! We love to see kids’ smiling faces on the first day of school. But be online savvy: When posting on social media on the first day of school, don’t include your child’s age, school, teacher’s name or other personal information! pic.twitter.com/0nYjirUiGs
— Durham Regional Police (@DRPS) September 5, 2022
Not all students return Tuesday. Toronto boards aren’t back to class until Wednesday and some younger students have a staggered start later in the week.
Once students get to class they’ll notice many of the COVID-19 restrictions and rules are no longer in place.
It’s the first time since before the pandemic began that masks won’t be mandatory in the classroom.
Many more extra-curricular activities will also make their returns the school year.
