**** HRM Release
Back to school road safety
As thousands of students, staff and faculty return to schools across the Halifax region this week, the Halifax Regional Municipality is reminding residents to exercise additional caution on the road. Whether you’re driving, walking, cycling or taking transit, we all share the responsibility of keeping our streets 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.
School zones School zone speed limits are in effect whenever children are present. This applies not only during school hours. Slow down and stay alert in these areas. Learn more about school zone safety.
Intersection and crosswalk safety
Most fatal and injury-causing traffic collisions in the Halifax region happen at intersections. All road users are reminded that crosswalks exist at all intersections, whether they are marked or unmarked.
Reminders for drivers:
Drivers must yield to pedestrians waiting to cross or when they're already in a crosswalk.
Drivers turning at signalized intersections must yield to pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk. Pedestrians continue to have the right of way as they finish their crossing.
Reminders for pedestrians:
At marked signalized intersections and crosswalks, pedestrians should only cross when the “walk” signal is displayed. Pedestrians should not begin crossing if the “don’t walk” signal is flashing, or a countdown has started. These signals are intended for those who have already entered the crosswalk to finish crossing safely.
At marked crosswalks with signals or beacons, pedestrians must activate the flashing lights where available. Be sure to press the button if one is present.
At unmarked or unsignalized crosswalks, wait for a safe gap in traffic or for vehicles in both directions to stop completely before entering the street.
Reminders for cyclists and e-scooter users:
Cyclists and e-scooter users that decide to cross the street using pedestrian crosswalks shall walk their bicycle or scooter through the crosswalk.
Bicycles and e-scooters are not to be operated on sidewalks.
For more road safety information, visit: halifax.ca/roadsafety
Parking enforcement
With increased traffic during the school season, the municipality is stepping up parking enforcement to ensure on-street parking is used appropriately.
Drivers are reminded to obey all posted traffic and parking signs in and around school zones to help keep children safe and traffic flowing smoothly.
Plan ahead to avoid delays and fines. For parking permits, mobile payment options and maps, visit: halifax.ca/parking
