❗️KNOW THE LAW: STOP FOR SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS
(ORILLIA, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding motorists of the laws surrounding school crossing guards and the important role they play in keeping children and other pedestrians safe.
As students travel to and from school each day, drivers are expected to remain alert and exercise caution when approaching school crossings. Under the Highway Traffic Act, school crossing guards are authorized to stop traffic while assisting pedestrians across roadways where the speed limit does not exceed 60 km/h. When a school crossing guard displays a school crossing stop sign before entering the roadway, drivers approaching from either direction are required by law to stop before reaching the crossing.
This requirement applies to all vehicles, including those intending to make a right or left turn at an intersection. Drivers must remain stopped until all persons, including the school crossing guard, have cleared the roadway and it is safe to proceed.
School crossing guards help create a safe environment for children travelling to and from school. Failing to stop for a crossing guard not only places lives at risk but can also result in enforcement action.
Motorists should always:
- Stop whenever a school crossing guard displays a stop sign, regardless of whether you are travelling straight through the intersection or making a turn
- Slow down and remain alert in school zones and near school crossings.
- Watch for crossing guards, pedestrians and children who may enter the roadway unexpectedly.
- Eliminate distractions and focus on driving.
Road safety is a shared responsibility. By slowing down, staying alert and following the law, motorists can help protect children and crossing guards and keep our school crossings safe.
