As students across Halton return to school this week, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is launching its 18th annual Project Safe Start campaign, aimed at reminding motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to follow the rules of the road and be extra cautious.

Residents can expect an increased police presence around schools and nearby community safety zones as we remind people of the ABC’s of road safety – Always Be Cautious – and reinforce traffic laws to ensure a #SafeStart to the school year.

“We know how special September is and how excited students are to head back to the classroom, but we also must remember the need to slow down and stay alert,” said Stephen J. Tanner, Chief of Police for the HRPS.

“Whether you’re behind the wheel, a cyclist, or a pedestrian, safety always comes first. It’s our commitment at the HRPS to ensure our region’s children return to school safely. We’re reminding residents to be mindful of their surroundings and recognize that road safety is a year-round, shared responsibility. Through education and enforcement every day, we continue to make the Halton community a safe place to work, live, play, and learn.”

Key Back-to-School Safety Reminders:

Drop the Distractions: It is a provincial offence under the Highway Traffic Act for drivers to talk, text, or email using a hand-held device while operating a vehicle, whether it’s stationary or in motion.

Watch Your Speed. Be alert to flashing 40km/h areas in community safety zones. Motorists are required to slow down where school signs are posted and obey posted speed limits. Speeding and aggressive driving behaviours are extremely dangerous.

Obey Stop Signs: Motorists are reminded to come to a full stop when approaching a stop sign. Drive carefully and be alert to your surroundings before proceeding through a stop sign.

Drive Sober: Driving while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs is never acceptable and can result in serious injury to yourself, loved ones, cyclists, and/or pedestrians.

Residents are reminded to report driving violations or request enforcement of a particular area through the HRPS website at Report a Traffic Concern - Halton Regional Police Service (haltonpolice.ca). In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

Follow along on our X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram channels, as well as through #SafeStart, over the next couple of weeks as we share reminders about road safety this backtoschool season.

Media Inquiries:

Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca

About the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS):
The HRPS is the ninth largest police service in Ontario, proudly providing frontline and investigative support to more than 650,000 area residents. Our jurisdiction is the fastest-growing region in the GTA and is expected to reach a population of 897,000 by 2031.