Police are ready for an exceptional back to school period

Describing itself as "well aware that the situation will be particular this year”, especially since 4 000 children will not take the school bus on the Centre de services scolaire des Grandes-Seigneuries’ territory, police are planning for a sustained presence around schools to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians, reminding them that caution and courtesy are more important than ever as the return of children to classrooms is approaching.   The Service de police de Châteauguay (SPC) emphasizes the fact that “every school has its signalization and a way to proceed adapted to its environment. Parents must respect these to ensure everyone’s safety”. Jenny Lavigne, spokesperson for the SPC adds that police officers will distribute fines in case of non-compliance. Door syndrome Since they can’t hand pamphlets about the door syndrome, which consists in dropping children as close as possible to the school’s door, the SPC will use other methods to sensitize the population. Police officers, however, reminds parents that this practice is a danger for children’s safety, and even a life threat. Security advice Drivers -Respect school buses’ flashing lights and reserved areas; -Be aware of children around cars; -Respect the Road safety code (speed limit displayed, mandatory stops…); -In presence of a school crossing guard respect their instructions. They are present to ensure children and drivers’ safety; Parents -If a child is walking to school, do the route with them to make sure they are familiarized and with it to assure their confidence; -If dropping off your child at school, immobilize to the right and find a safe place while respecting signalization; -Courtesy is important. Children are unpredictable and the excitement of going back to school can lead them to adopt behaviours risking their safety; -Avoid turning around or any dangerous maneuver in the school area. Children -Children must cross the road at the indicated places, quickly but without running; -Children must be reminded to look left and right before crossing the road; -Children must wait for cars to be completely immobilized before crossing and keep visual contact with drivers to make sure they are seen; -If a crossing guard is present, children must follow their instructions.