Start the school year off right: Stay alert and be aware while using Mississauga roads

Starting Tuesday, September 3, thousands of students in Mississauga, from pre-school to college and university, will go back to school. Mississauga roads will get busier once again with students walking, riding their bikes, using scooters, taking school buses or MiWay buses, or being driven to and from school. The City reminds all road users to be mindful of road safety to help prevent collisions and ensure that everyone arrives at their destination safely. Continuing to keep students safe is part of the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan, which works towards the long-term goal of zero traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries.

Road safety around school zones

This year, the City will install nine traffic calming projects near school zones to help reduce speeding and aggressive driving. The City uses design features like speed humps and raised pedestrian crossings to slow down vehicles.

The City also has automated speed enforcement cameras in 50 school zones to help combat speeding on streets near schools. These cameras are already in place and will rotate to other school zones throughout the school year. These cameras support the 30 km/h speed limit in school zones – an initiative that was completed in 2022.

Crossing guard program

The City has more than 215 school crossing guards at more than 160 locations who will be ready on the first day of school. Crossing guards help school children from kindergarten to fifth grade cross the road safely.

The City’s Mississauga School Traffic Safety Action Committee conducts site inspections and safety reviews at or near schools on request to help find opportunities to improve student safety and safety for all road users.

School Walking Routes program

The City has a School Walking Routes program that promotes active travel, such as walking or travelling by bike, wheelchair or other mobility devices, to and from school. School Route signs installed around the neighbourhood guide students on their way to school and alert drivers to watch for children.

Drivers driving to their destination

When driving, remember to:

• Stay alert and obey posted speed limits.
• Pay special attention near schools for pedestrians and cyclists, especially when turning and in areas with many stopped cars.
• Always follow a school crossing guard’s stop sign.
• Never proceed through crossings until students have completely crossed.
• Stop for school buses with flashing red lights, and never attempt to overtake them.
• Tune your playlist, fix your GPS and sync your Bluetooth before you leave. Once you’re behind the wheel, your attention should only be on the road.

When driving your student to school:

• Follow signage and rules, especially at drop-off and pick-up locations.
• Never pick up or drop off your student where they must cross the road between stopped cars.
• Reduce congestion and improve safety in front of the school by only driving partway to school, and walking or biking the rest of the way.

Students and families walking, cycling or taking a bus to school

Stay safe while travelling to school by:

• Planning your route in advance.
• Crossing streets only at designated crosswalks or crossrides, where possible.
• Always following your crossing guard’s instructions if they’re on your route.
• Ensuring your helmets are worn when biking, scootering or skateboarding.
• Walking your device across roads when no crossrides are available.
• Making sure to follow all railway-crossing safety rules if your school route is near a railway crossing.
• Standing back from the curb and not approaching the bus until it comes to a full stop when waiting for a school bus or MiWay bus.

For more road safety information and additional safety tips, visit mississauga.ca/roadsafety. For more information about Vision Zero, visit mississauga.ca/visionzero.

Quotes

“As the school year begins, I’m reminding all road users to pay attention to prevent collisions. Whether they are in or out of the classroom, our students should be safe. If you’re driving, follow the posted speed limit and watch for students, especially in school zones. Make sure you stop for school buses when you see their red lights flashing. If you’re a student, cross at crosswalks or crossrides when available, and listen to your crossing guard. Have a safe and wonderful first day back!” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“We’re continuing to work towards our commitment of achieving Vision Zero in Mississauga and keeping students safe on our roads. Vision Zero is our goal to eliminate traffic-related fatalities or serious injuries. Pedestrian safety, particularly among students, is a big part of this plan. We are committed to creating safe and secure roads for everyone in the community.” – Sam Rogers, Commissioner of Transportation and Works

Photos

Tags

• Children & Youth
• Public Safety