The Toronto District School Board is helping increase awareness and promoting road safety in school zones. In recent years, the Board has been working with community partners, including the City of Toronto, Toronto Public Health and Toronto Police Service to increase road safety for children and youth.
In addition, the TDSB has aligned its Traffic Safety Program (TSP), aimed to support participating schools with road safety-related concerns, with the City of Toronto’s Vision Zero Road Safety Plan.
Other efforts include:
- Creation of a new road safety website.
- Promotion of road safety tips and initiatives through social media.
- Display of City of Toronto “Whoa! Slow down” lawn signs at TDSB schools to remind drivers to exercise caution when traveling in school zones.
Traveling to and from School
There are many ways children can travel to and from school including walking, wheeling (e.g., bicycle, scooter or mobility device), taking public transit or a school bus; and/or, driving/taking a ride to school. Whatever option you and your family choose, please remember to be careful and share the road with other road users.
Together, we can keep school zones safe!
Walking to School
The TDSB encourages active transportation to and from school whenever possible. Walking to school can be safer than driving and have a positive impact on student’s mental wellness and academic success.
Here are some safety tips from Toronto Public Health:
- Practice good role modelling by walking with your child and showing them road safety rules so that they can develop good habits.
- Wear bright, reflective clothing or accessories in cloudy or dark conditions so drivers can see you better.
- Teach your child to use their eyes and ears. Always stop, look and listen, even if there is a crossing guard, or traffic signals.
- Stop and check that cars in every lane can see you and make eye contact with the drivers. Wait until drivers have stopped before crossing the road.
- Look left, right and left again. Teach your child to cross the road only when the way is clear, or all the cars at the crosswalk or intersection have come to a full stop. Children shouldn’t cross the road between parked cars or mid-block.
- Listen for oncoming traffic and be alert. Pedestrians shouldn’t use headphones or cellphones when walking, especially when they are crossing the road. Distractions, even talking while walking, can put children in danger.
- Walk, don't run, while crossing the street. By running, you risk tripping and falling in the middle of the road.
Learn more about pedestrian safety.
Cycling to School
Similar to walking, cycling is good for children’s health, the environment and our communities.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), bikes are considered vehicles. Therefore, cyclists must follow the same rules and laws as drivers do. To ensure a safe trip when riding a bike, consider some of the following tips from MTO:
- Wear a helmet every time you ride – it is the law for anyone under the age of 18.
- Wear bright clothing so drivers can see you better.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Ride beside parked cars as if all the car doors were open. As long as you are riding in a straight line, motorists coming from behind will see you and give you enough space.
- Use hand signals early when turning or stopping – this lets drivers know what you are going to do next.
Always stop:
- At stop signs and red lights.
- At the edge of the road. Look all ways to see if the road is clear before entering a road.
- For stopped school buses when their red lights are flashing.
- For pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Two metres behind bus and streetcar doors and wait until the passengers have got on/off or reached the curb.
In Toronto, children 13 and under are allowed to ride on sidewalks; however, it is illegal for older cyclists to do the same. When riding on sidewalks, children must still exercise caution and follow traffic rules.
Learn more about cycling safety.
Driving to School
A child struck by a car travelling at 50 km/hr is eight times more likely to be killed than a child struck at 30 km/hr. Children 10 and under are most at risk for pedestrian related injuries. Therefore, if you are driving your child to or from school, it is important to be alert and slow down as children are smaller and harder to see. In addition, it might be difficult for children to determine the direction of sound and judging distance or speed.
Here are some safety tips from Toronto Public Health:
- Follow the school zones safety traffic rules.
- When possible, park legally on a side street or in school designated areas and walk your child to school to avoid adding to the traffic in front of or near the school.
- Stop at crosswalks and intersections. Allow children and other pedestrians to fully cross the road before continuing on.
- Enter and exit school zones and driveways slowly and carefully. Watch for children on and near the road, particularly in the morning and after school hours.
- Have your child exit the car on the right side nearest to the sidewalk.
- Do not speed.
Learn more about driving safety.
Road Safety Brochure
Other resources:
Vision Zero Road Safety Plan – City of Toronto
City of Toronto's five year plan to reduce the number of traffic-related deaths and serious injuries on Toronto’s roads.
Cycle Toronto’s Cyclist Handbook
A resource for Toronto cyclists, identifying the parts of a bicycle, cycling safety tips and rules of the road. Available in 17 languages.
CAA’s Bike Safety
This website provides a wealth of resources on bike safety, including selecting appropriate bike equipment, riding skills and tips and bike maintenance and care.
The Guide to Safer Streets Near Schools
A research-based resource designed to assist residents in requesting street improvements within the City of Toronto.