THUNDER BAY - On Wednesday, thousands of students across the city returned to the classrooms, some for the first time.
Thunder Bay Police and the City of Thunder Bay are reminding that everyone has a part in keeping those kids safe.
“It’s a fun, exciting, confusing time, it only takes a moment for a quick lapse in judgment,” said Traffic Sgt. Gordon Snyder.
Police announced earlier this week that they will increase surveillance in school zones as they open back up.
Snyder is warning drivers to expect some added minutes during their morning commute.
“The traffic volumes are expected to increase quite a lot,” he said. “I think the big message we want to get out is to expect longer travel times. Don’t leave at the same time you were used to in the summer.”
They are rolling out initiatives such as the Don’t Be A Creep campaign, which tells motorists not to creep into the intersection, and come to a complete stop when crossing guards and school buses flash their stop signs.
“There’s serious harm in it,” says Dan Bernas, a crossing guard for the city of Thunder Bay. “People should just take their time. We have young children, and inexperienced children crossing at this time of year.”
Michelle Riemer, field supervisor of crossing guards, says the city works in conjunction with police to track violators of school zone laws.
“We are noticing so many more distracted drivers than ever before,” she said.
“It’s a problem in every area in the city.”
Police are also reminding drivers they need to stop when school buses flash their stop sign. He says drivers in the city tend to violate this law on major roads, when the bus is four lanes away.
“For example, Arthur Street or James Street, four-lane roads, that’s where we typically see the most traffic violations. It’s a big fine, and there’s significant (demerit) points if you’re the driver.”
As for the students, whether in kindergarten or Grade 12, they have a role to play, too.
“Listen to the crossing guards, listen to the school bus drivers. For those kids who walk to school, be very careful when you’re crossing the roadways,” Snyder said.
