For the past 24 years, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) have marked the first day of school by reinforcing their commitment to traffic safety.
On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, more than 50 officers participated in the 25th annual NRPS Back-to-School Traffic Safety and Awareness Day. Senior officers, along with detectives and other members not regularly assigned to frontline policing, were deployed to Community Safety Zones across Niagara. Their focus was to remind motorists – through education and enforcement – of the importance of safe driving, particularly in areas near schools.
Officers conducted 121 traffic stops across Niagara. This initiative resulted in 83 provincial offence notices being issued, including 50 for speeding and 33 for other Highway Traffic Act violations. In addition, officers issued 46 warnings to motorists.
In addition, members of the 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit focused on routes commonly used by children walking to bus stops and schools. Their efforts resulted in 11 provincial offence notices being issued (three under the Liquor License Act and eight under the Highway Traffic Act), along with 10 criminal arrests for drug possession.
Motorists are reminded to practice defensive driving by maintaining proper eye lead and scanning ahead. These techniques increase awareness and provide drivers with more time to react to situations such as a stopped school bus or a crossing guard assisting children.
The NRPS remains committed to road safety year-round. Officers will continue to focus on traffic enforcement in school zones, with particular attention to aggressive and distracted driving.
The NRPS strongly encourages all motorists to stay alert, drive with care, and remain mindful of their surroundings – especially in the vicinity of schools and educational institutions.
Related Media Release
August 28, 2025 – For original release, CLICK HERE.