HALIFAX: As students return to classrooms across the Halifax region beginning Sept. 3, the Halifax Regional Municipality is reminding residents to take extra care on the road.
September brings increased traffic as students, parents, educators and university communities return to their regular routines.
Whether you’re driving, walking, rolling, cycling or taking transit, we all share a responsibility to help keep our roads safe.
School bus safety
Drivers and cyclists must stop when approaching a school bus with flashing red lights. This applies regardless of the direction of travel or the number of lanes.
It is illegal to pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing. These signals ensure students can safely board or exit the bus and cross the road if needed.
Be prepared to stop and watch for children crossing the road near school buses.
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School zones
School zone speed limits are in effect whenever children are present, not just during school hours.
Drivers are reminded to slow down, stay alert and watch for children, crossing guards and other road users.
Learn more about school zone safety.
Intersections and crosswalks
All road users should remember:
- Crosswalks exist at all intersections, whether marked or unmarked.
- Drivers must stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
- Drivers, cyclists, e-scooter users and other vehicle operators must stop and remain stopped while a crossing guard is in the intersection.
- Pedestrians should wait for the “walk” signal where one is provided and only enter a crosswalk when it is safe to do so.
- Cyclists and e-scooter users should dismount and walk when choosing to cross the street using a pedestrian crosswalk.
Did you know almost half of all fatal and injury-causing traffic collisions in the municipality occur at intersections? Following the rules of the road, avoiding distractions and staying aware of your surroundings can help keep everyone safe.
Learn more about road safety at: halifax.ca/roadsafety
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Parking enforcement
With schools and universities back in session, the municipality will increase parking enforcement efforts throughout September, particularly in and around school zones.
Drivers are reminded to obey all posted traffic and parking signs.
Avoid stopping or parking in no-parking areas, and plan ahead for drop-offs and pick-ups to help improve safety and traffic flow around schools.
For parking resources, permits, maps and mobile payment options, visit: halifax.ca/parking
