The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is launching a back to school safety awareness initiative.
Officers are warning members of the public to be extra cautious when driving in school zones and to look out for children.
Officers also met with students to tell them to be aware of their surroundings.
"Our kids are much more mobile at the beginning of the school year. Mobile in terms of both getting on and off the bus. But also the pedestrian traffic at crosswalks. So really, what we're trying to do is let everyone know to be more aware," said Chief Hugh Stevenson of Sault Ste. Marie Police Services.
Police say their main concerns are drivers failing to slow down in school zones and failing to stop for school buses and crossing guards.
"They're not focused on their overall surroundings. They're just looking dead ahead, which is dangerous to get that tunnel vision, especial at this time of year with school buses out there. My advice to people is to be conscious of what's going on, whether it's emergency vehicles or school buses. Pay more attention than just your own lane. Look around all lanes of traffic," said Sergeant Ray Magnan, Sault Ste. Marie Polices Services.
The Huron Catholic District School Board and bus drivers share this concern and have extra safety measures in place.
"We have a school bus program in effect where we do train our students how to be on and off the school bus, and how to evacuate in case of an emergency situation," said Rose Burton Spohn of the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board.
"I have a hand signal so if they have to cross over, they have to wait for my okay to cross. If they're just on the same side, they know just to get off. And if they drop something, to not pick it up," said a school bus driver Vicki Marcil.
According to officials, drivers who fail to stop and slowdown in these zones will be fined.
They want to start the school year off right and will continue implementing these safety measures throughout the school year.
