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Thursday, August 22, 2013
City of Ottawa
Road safety a top priority as children return to school

Ottawa - As children head back to school this fall, the City of Ottawa, the Ottawa Police Service, and Ottawa Public Health would like to remind all road users to be extra attentive to the rules of the road and speed limits, especially in construction zones, school zones and around school buses.

“The return to school is an exciting and hectic time for children and their families. We want to remind motorists to be extra cautious and to drive safely,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Commuting may take longer with the increased traffic and construction on our roads. It is important for motorists to slow down and exercise caution.”

“We encourage students to walk or bike to school which is a great way to increase their physical activity,” said Knoxdale Merivale Councillor Keith Egli, the Chair of the City’s Transportation Committee and member of the Board of Health. “As part of promoting a culture of active transportation in the city, we all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe. This way ourkids can lead active and healthy lives.”

The City has posted four portable variable message signs at high-traffic intersections to remind drivers about the start of the school season and the need to practise vigilance when driving near schools or school buses. The signs will be in operation at high-visibility locations for the next two weeks.

Ottawa Police Service will also be focusing on back to school road safety education and enforcement in the coming weeks.

“Every school year, the Ottawa Police focus our efforts on ensuring drivers are careful and respect the rules of the road related to school zones and buses," said Inspector Chris Rheaume. "We all need to remind ourselves that children are not always mindful of traffic and we need to be extra vigilant to ensure their safety."

Safer roads also mean more active and healthy children who feel safe getting back and forth from school by walking or cycling. With only 20 per cent of Ottawa students using active forms of transportation, Ottawa Public Health is working with schools and other community stakeholders to get children walking or wheeling to and from school along safe routes.

This back-to-school initiative is part of the Safer Roads Ottawa Program, a partnership between Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Paramedic Service, Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Public Health, and the Public Works Department. This initiative has been put in place to prevent road deaths and serious injuries in the City of Ottawa, through culture change, community engagement, and development of a sustainable safe transportation environment.

During the event, the City also announced it will provide further information about fall construction at a technical briefing on Thursday August 29 at City Hall. The City will continue to see major construction and renewal in the fall months and will provide mobility options to residents. For more information about how the construction will affect residents, visit ottawa.ca.