As the school year kicks off and summer winds down, our streets are about to get busier, especially with children walking, biking, and being dropped off at school. That means it’s time for all of us to refocus on road safety. Whether you're commuting to work or running errands, safe driving helps protect everyone in our community.
We’ve teamed up with our partners at Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) to share some important reminders and tips to help you drive safely this season. Be sure to check out the helpful videos at the bottom of this blog for more on general road safety and community safety zones.
Top tips for safer driving
Here are four key things to keep in mind every time you hit the road:
- Obey posted speed limits, especially in school zones and community safety zones. Adjust your speed to road and weather conditions and always drive safely.
- Don’t drive distracted, keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. Never talk, text or email using a handheld device while driving.
- Be crosswalk smart and watch for pedestrians, especially children and crossing guards near schools. Wait for pedestrians to completely clear the roadway before driving.
- Arrive alive and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Always drive sober and drive safe.
Did you know: If you’re stopped by police for distracted driving, it’s a $615 fine and a suspension upon conviction of the charge.
Did you know: Impaired drivers can lose their license, get a fine, spend time in jail!
What are Community Safety Zones?
Community Safety Zones are areas, often near schools, parks, and other public spaces, where traffic laws are strictly enforced. Community Safety Zone signs are installed to indicate to motorists they are in a designated area where vulnerable road users are likely to be present and penalties for traffic violations are increased.
Did you know: Halton Region has 19 Community Safety Zones across the City of Burlington, and the Towns of Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills. View a map of all Community Safety Zone Locations.
Benefits of Community Safety Zones
Community Safety Zones help protect vulnerable road users (including children, seniors, pedestrians, and cyclists) by:
- making high-risk areas like schools, playgrounds, and community centres safer
- encouraging drivers to slow down by doubling fines for speeding and careless driving
- helping reduce the chance of crashes and injuries
Halton’s commitment to safer roads
Halton Region is dedicated to keeping our roads safe, efficient, and well-maintained through strategic investments and proactive planning. From optimizing traffic signals and monitoring pavement conditions to launching safety initiatives like Drive SAFE as part of our Comprehensive Road Safety Action Plan (CROSAP), Halton works year-round to improve travel for everyone. Recent efforts include installing new speed feedback signs and enhancing school zone safety as Halton continues to prioritize safety, accessibility, and long-term infrastructure planning to support our growing community.
Did you know: Halton Region manages 1,209 lane kms of roads, 330 Signalized intersections on Regional Roads, 183 Bridges/Major Culvert structures greater the 3m and 7,931 streetlights.
Project Safe Start – A reminder to always be cautious
As students prepare to return to school next week, Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) will also be launching its annual Project Safe Start campaign. The goal? To remind everyone of the ABC’s of road safety: Always Be Cautious. With more children, families, and commuters on the roads, HRPS is asking all drivers and pedestrians to stay alert and be mindful of their surroundings.
What to expect:
- increased police presence near schools and community safety zones.
- enhanced traffic enforcement to encourage safe driving habits including seat belts and stop signs.
- a focus on reducing speeding, distracted driving, and unsafe pedestrian behavior.
Learn more about road safety
Let’s all do our part to make our roads safer for everyone, especially our youngest residents. Whether you're behind the wheel or walking your kids to school, a little extra caution goes a long way.
Help keep our roads safe - for more information on road safety, visit our Road Safety page or haltonpolice.ca (external link).
Take a few minutes to watch these short videos created in partnership with Halton Region Police Service: