WRPS issues a Reminder for School Safety as Students Head Back to the Classroom

While the school year will look different this year, the Waterloo Regional Police want to remind the community to make safety a top priority as students and school staff head back to the classroom.  

As students and staff members start the new academic year, all drivers are reminded to watch out for children walking and biking to school, and be mindful of crossing guards assisting children across the road.  Drivers are also reminded to stop in both directions for school buses when they see overhead red warning signals and a flashing stop sign.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to promote safety with their children and remind them to stay alert while on the school bus and while walking or biking. They are also encouraged to:

• Plan a safe route to and from school, and practice the route prior to school commencing
• Cross at designated crosswalks with the walk signal
• Stop in both directions for a school bus with lights flashing
• Establish a plan for school pickup with family or friends

As part of its annual Walk the Chalk event, Waterloo Regional Police are once again encouraging parents, caregivers, and children to take time on the days leading up to September 8, 2020 to go outside and write safety messages along school routes with chalk. The intent is for students to read these messages as they walk to school on the first day and help encourage safe walking and biking. We are also encouraging parents, caregivers and children to take in our Safety Ambassador Campaign by sending us a drawing or video of their back-to-school safety message.

The Waterloo Regional Police will also be taking part in Project Safe Semester, a campaign that promotes the safety and well-being of University and College students. The campaign will run until September 27, 2020, to help ensure the safety and security of all community members.

Post-Secondary students are encouraged to:

• Lock their doors, secure their property, and ensure window coverings are closed in bedrooms and bathrooms to ensure ultimate privacy
• Don’t let anyone into a building that they don’t know
• Walk in groups whenever possible
• Cross roads at designated locations in accordance with traffic signals
• If consuming alcohol or drugs, do so responsibly.
• If you are going out, plan ahead so you can ensure your safe arrival and return
• Report any suspicious activity or individuals to police immediately

In addition, members of our Traffic Service’s unit will be conducting enforcement, to target high risk driving behaviours, which impact the safety of children, cyclists, and pedestrians in school zones throughout Waterloo Region. Motorists are reminded to slow down, pay attention and watch for pedestrians crossing at crosswalks.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all children. Together with parents, caregivers and our community partners, we can help make safety a top priority throughout the school year.

Media Inquiries

Ashley Dietrich
Public Information Officer
Executive Branch
Waterloo Regional Police Service
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8285
ashley.dietrich@wrps.on.ca

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