OPP Report:

Police remind motorists to reduce speed in school areas

Ontario Provincial Police

The Sioux Lookout Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reminds all members of the community many children walk to school and motorists should be aware of the increased pedestrian traffic as children make their way to school and are returning home.
Motorists also need to be mindful that more and more youths are texting and talking on cell phones as they walk to and from school and as such, they are likely to be more inattentive and unaware of their surroundings. Motorists are reminded to adjust your driving, pay attention and be prepared to stop for children and school buses. Make it safe for everyone.
As per CAA (Canadian Automobile Association - https://www.caa.ca/schoolzonesafety/):
•    25% of drivers reported witnessing a near miss or collision in a school zone, more than half of which involved a child.
•    70% of Canadians say they have witnessed speeding in school zones, an increase from polling done in 2016.
Police suggest that parents talk with their kids to ensure younger kids are supervised and all kids are reminded of the things we can do to stay safe such as:
•    Always walk on the sidewalk
•    If sidewalks are not available walk on the shoulder facing traffic
•    When crossing a road use crosswalks where available
•    If no crosswalks then check all ways to ensure it is safe to cross
•    Teach your child to stop at the curb, look left, right and left again.
The OPP will continue to make traffic safety a priority. Our officers will be patrolling school zones and conducting traffic enforcement as always. Our goal is to ensure that all children are safe as they venture to and from their schools.