With the first day of school only days away, it is important for motorists to drive with extra care around school zones, particularly in the before and after class hours, according to 11 Division Staff Insp. Peter Lennox.
In 11 Division Police's monthly bulletin, the inspector asks drivers to operate their vehicles with "a heightened level of awareness and vigilance.""Accidents are the leading cause of death in children aged one to 14 years with accidents involving automobiles accounting for the largest number of deaths," he said. That's why, from Tuesday, Sept. 7, the first day of school, until Friday, Sept. 17, officers from 11 Division will be involved in a citywide campaign to help deal with this concern. The 'Back to School - Getting them back safely is everyone's responsibility" campaign will see officers focus their attention on all activities around school zones involving motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. It will have both educational and enforcement components."Please, always be aware of your surroundings and the people around you from both a traffic safety and crime prevention perspective."