OIP News - Back to School Safety

With summer coming to an end and fall colours slowly starting to show, that means back to school for millions of Canadian students. Returning students means the return of school buses and school crossing guards on the road – translating to a need for greater focus and attention for drivers.

Here are some rules to ensure safe driving for the back to school season:

School zones – pay close attention to school zone warning signs. When in a school zone, always slow down, drive with caution, and watch out for children.

Around school buses – vehicles approaching from both directions must stop when a school bus has stopped, its overhead lights are flashing, and the stop arm is extended. This law applies everywhere, regardless of the posted speed limit, including highways, country roads, or city streets. Only highway traffic separated by a median strip travelling in the opposite direction is not required to stop for a school bus with its lights flashing and stop arm extended.

Around school crossing guards – vehicles must stop and remain stopped until all persons, including the crossing guard, have cleared.

Careful attention to driving rules and safety will help keep your driving record clear, and your insurance costs low.

For more information on this and other aspects of the OVMA Insurance Program, contact Pottruff & Smith Insurance Brokers Inc., program administrator, at 1.888.681.2862, or visit us online at www.pottruffsmith.com/ovma