Thunder Bay – Regional News – As students across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario head back to school this week, drivers are being reminded to stay vigilant on the roads, especially around school zones, crosswalks, and school buses.
Children—excited and sometimes distracted—may move unpredictably as they walk to and from school. Combined with increased afternoon traffic, the back-to-school season becomes a critical time for road safety.
The message is simple but urgent: slow down, stay alert, and always be ready to stop.
Key Safety Tips for Drivers This School Season
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👀 Watch for Children Crossing: Especially in residential neighbourhoods, near crosswalks, and around school grounds. Kids may dart into the street unexpectedly.
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🚌 Stay Cautious Around Buses:
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Flashing amber lights mean a bus is slowing down to stop
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When the red lights flash, you must stop—whether you are following the bus or approaching from the front
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Only proceed once the red lights stop flashing
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⚠️ Slow Down in School Zones:
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The default speed limit is 30 km/h in both urban and rural school zones unless otherwise posted
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No passing is allowed when you’re behind another vehicle in an active school zone
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🚫 Don’t Rush:
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Passing another vehicle in a school zone (even if you’re under the speed limit) is prohibited when the zone is in effect
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Why It Matters: The Reality of School Zone Safety
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Roughly 90% of school bus-related collisions happen in urban areas—places like Thunder Bay, Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances, and smaller communities across the region
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Children can be hard to see, especially when stepping out from behind a bus or vehicle
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Failing to stop for a school bus when red lights are flashing comes with serious consequences:
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$567 fine
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Six demerit points
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A Shared Responsibility
Whether you’re on your daily commute, running errands, or just heading home, you play a role in protecting children during the school year. A few extra seconds of caution could prevent a life-changing tragedy.
Let’s work together to make this school year a safe one—for students, families, and everyone who shares our roads.
