As summer comes to an end, students across Niagara will return to school on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. To mark the occasion, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) will be conducting its 25th annual Back-to-School Traffic Safety and Awareness Day.
This long-standing initiative brings together senior officers, members of specialty units, and uniform patrol officers to enhance traffic safety in and around school zones. This year, more than 50 additional officers will be deployed across Niagara as part of this important campaign.
Organized by the NRPS Traffic Enforcement Unit, the 2025 initiative will focus on Community Safety Zones near schools. These zones are designed to promote safe driving in areas where children and families are at higher risk. Within Community Safety Zones, the rules of the road remain the same, but penalties are significantly increased – speeding fines are doubled, and other violations carry higher consequences.
In addition to monitoring speed, officers will also be watching for:
Distracted driving Seat belt infractions Other unsafe driving behaviours that put children at risk
School Bus Safety
With the return of classes, school buses will once again be a regular presence on our roads. In Niagara, more than 100 school buses are equipped with video cameras that capture evidence of drivers who fail to stop for buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms. Evidence collected is reviewed by the NRPS, and if grounds exist, an offence notice is mailed to the registered vehicle owner.
Crossing Guard Safety
School Crossing Guards play a vital role in protecting children and families. Drivers and cyclists are reminded to:
Guard signals you to stop; all cyclists and drivers must stop
Understand and follow the posted speed limits, especially in school zones
Always check before turning at intersections
Remain stopped until all pedestrians and guards have cleared the crossing. It is the Law. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Do not drop kids off in NO Stopping and NO parking zones
Ongoing Commitment to Safety
While this initiative highlights the importance of back-to-school safety, the NRPS remains committed to traffic safety year-round. Officers will continue to monitor school zones and bus routes, targeting aggressive and distracted drivers to help keep students safe.
Message to the Community
The NRPS urges all motorists to stay alert, exercise patience, and drive with care – especially during the busy first weeks of school. We also encourage parents and students to make safety part of their daily routine. Helpful resources for the 2025/2026 school year include:
Internet Safety for Kids and Teens Bike Registration – 529 Garage Child Car and Booster Seat Safety Young Cyclists Guide Pedestrian Safety School Bus Safety Stranger Safety Home Alone Course for Kids
Let’s work together to make this school year safe, successful, and positive for students, families, and our entire community.