Students will be heading back to school on Monday after two weeks off for the holidays.

CAA has released safety tips for drivers and parents to know as schools open on Monday.

"Make sure to watch for buses that are loading or unloading students, be observant of the posted speed limit and drive according to the posted speed limit," said Christine Niemczyk, Corporate Communications and Public Relations, CAA.

"Keep in mind too that sometimes the cars that are idling near the school entranceways such and close to school grounds, sometimes that exhaust can make it difficult for motorists and drivers to see kids going in, darting in between vehicles."

She adds that students may also be playing on snowbanks so keep a watch out for them as well.

To help keep our students and school zones safe, motorists are asked to keep these other safety tips in mind as well:

  • Be prepared to stop for CAA School Safety Patrols on duty in school zones.
  • Allow students enough time to cross the street safely, as intersections can be covered in ice and snow.
  • Avoid distractions.
  • Even in the winter weather, watch for children playing outdoors. Stay alert and stay safe.

CAA encourages parents, caregivers and teachers to help children stay safe on the way to and from school by teaching them a few pedestrian safety rules such as:

  • Stop, look both ways and listen before crossing the street. 
  • Cross at intersections or at corners and refrain from jaywalking.
  • Wait for the signal of the on-duty CAA School Safety Patrollers when crossing the street.
  • Ensure winter apparel such as toques and scarves do not obstruct children’s vision or hearing.