A recent survey conducted on behalf of CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) found that 82 per cent of parents in Ontario have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours in school zones – that’s a four per cent increase compared to last year. More than half (55 per cent) consider the roads around their child’s school to be unsafe.
“Our children deserve to travel to and from school safely,” says Tracy Marshall, manager of community relations at CAA SCO. “As another school year begins, drivers should prepare for higher traffic periods in school zones and drive with extra vigilance.”
According to the survey, some of the most common dangerous driving behaviours parents have witnessed include speeding, double parking and stopping in undesignated areas.
Of those surveyed, the car remains the primary mode of transportation to and from school. Because of this, more than 80 per cent of parents report experiencing congestion around their child’s school. In fact, survey respondents believe that parents in a hurry (38 per cent), too much congestion (33 per cent) and parents not following the drop off or pick up procedures contribute the most to unsafe driving behaviours in school zones.
Majority of parents say more can be done to help drivers slow down in school zones.
Ninety-one per cent of parents in Ontario support lowering the speed limit in school zones with 83 per cent that say speed limits should be 30km/h or lower.
When it comes to Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE), 71 per cent – an 11 per cent jump compared to last year – strongly support the use of it in school zones. While 81 per cent believe its presence would deter speeding around schools, 75 per cent say that it should remain permanent in school zones.
Drivers reminded to follow the rules of the road in school zones, especially near school buses.
“It is dangerous and illegal to pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended,” says Marshall.
According to the survey, 11 per cent of parents report having ever been charged with failure to stop for a school bus.
“Not only do you risk facing a fine of up to $2,000 and six demerit points for a first offense, but you are also putting the lives of others at risk,” adds Marshall.
The study, commissioned by CCG conducted by Dig Insights in May 2023 surveyed 1,560 Ontario parents/guardians between the ages of 18 and 74 with children attending school from kindergarten to grade 8. The margin of error for a sample of this size is plus or minus 2% at the 95% confidence level.
