September 8, 2020
As students head back to school this September, the City of Mississauga wants to remind everyone to be alert and cautious when using roadways.
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“I’d like to wish the thousands of students across Mississauga a great first day back to school! Whether you are returning to class or participating in virtual learning, it is an exciting time for students, parents and teachers alike. Our goal is to keep students safe in the classroom and on our roadways. Back to school brings increased traffic, additional vehicles on our roads and more people walking, cycling or getting dropped off at different locations. Please stay alert and keep your eyes peeled at all times. If you’re using our roads, we ask that you be vigilant, follow the rules, obey signs and speed limits and slow down in school zones,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We are committed to keeping our roads safe for everyone, whether you walk, ride your bike or drive to school. Stay safe, stay healthy and, most importantly, have a fun first day back!”
As students head back to school, they will be greeted by crossing guards to help them safely cross the street. The City’s Crossing Guard program helps school children from kindergarten to fifth grade cross the road, for both the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and the Peel District School Board.
In addition to the Crossing Guard program, the City also has two safety advisory committees, Road Safety Committee and Traffic Safety Council that help promote awareness of road safety programs and maintain the safety of road users including students, pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and ensures they are accessible to those that use mobility devices.
“Our safety work hasn’t stopped. The Road Safety Committee along with City staff have been working hard keep our roads safe for students, cyclists and drivers,” said Pat Saito, Ward 9 Councillor and Chair of the City’s Road Safety Committee. “It’s a busy time on the roads when school starts again and we all have a responsibility to get our students safely to and from school.”
The City has adopted the Vision Zero approach, which sets the goal of zero fatal and injury-causing collisions each year.
“Being aware of the new normal environment we are still adjusting to, please be sure to watch for children and pedestrians out more on our streets, especially this week!”, says Councillor Dasko, member of the Road Safety committee.
“Delivering road safety action items from our Transportation Master Plan will advance the City’s commitment to Vision Zero,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “To achieve this, we are moving forward with numerous projects including lowering speed limits and implementing speed reduction initiatives, such as traffic calming, Community Safety Zones, and the Crossing Guard program.”
In addition to back to school initiatives, the City will be rolling out a number of road safety campaigns to create awareness around road safety initiatives such as distracted driving, pedestrian safety, neighbourhood speed limits and automated speed enforcement.
Safety tips for students and drivers when commuting:
- Consider walking to the bus stop or different drop-off/pick-up routines by stepping out of the car and complete the journey to school by walking.
- Plan and practice your school route as a household ahead of time; encourage children to walk or cycle with siblings and friends, depending on their age.
- Active transportation means using people power to get where you’re going and helps reduce traffic congestion in and around school zones, which means safer streets for everyone. You can use your feet, bike, scooter or any other form of non-motorized vehicle to get you to and from school.
- Getting ready to ride MiWay? Additional trips to high schools and universities/colleges will resume, along with high school routes (300 series). These changes take effect on September 8. Holiday schedules will be in effect on Labour Day (September 7) and Thanksgiving Day (October 12). MiWay is also changing service levels on several routes to accommodate returning customers as businesses and schools start to reopen. Learn more by visiting ca/sept7 and miway.ca/students.
Students will gradually return to school the weeks of September 8 and 14 for both Peel District and Dufferin-Peel Catholic schools in a staggered approach for the 2020 to 2021 season. This means fewer people will be in school buildings, so students and staff can focus on learning and adopt new routines and safety practices before all students return.
For more road safety information or additional safety tips, please visit mississauga.ca/services-and-programs/transportation-and-streets/traffic/.
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