With thousands of students heading back to class Tuesday, South Simcoe Police are stepping up their annual back‑to‑school safety campaign - focussing on speeding, distracted driving, school‑zone congestion, and unpredictable pedestrian behaviour.
Sergeant Matthew Kernen says officers will be visible at “almost every elementary school” in Innisfil and Bradford as families adjust from summer routines to busy morning traffic. “What everyone’s trying to do is get to school safely, whether or not they travel by car, bike, or foot,” he said.
Police expect heavier traffic, more school buses, and excited kids who may dart between parked cars or cross unexpectedly. Kernen stresses that drivers should slow down, scan low for small children, and give themselves extra time in the morning.
Parents driving their kids should also plan ahead. “If parents can, it wouldn’t hurt to take a drive around, try to have a little bit of a plan for day one,” Kernen said. New signage, changed parking zones, and construction can all affect drop‑off routines.
Listen to our full interview with Sgt. Kernen. It begins at the 11:55 mark
Neighbourhood parking frustrations - a common complaint - are also part of the seasonal reality. Kernen encourages patience. “Understand that it’s a short inconvenience to make sure our kids are getting to school safely,” he said. “Once the child’s off to school, you’ll have your sidewalk back.”
School bus rules remain unchanged: yellow lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, and red lights with the stop arm out mean drivers in both directions must stop. “When in doubt, stop,” Kernen said. “It’s a minor inconvenience for ten seconds of time.”
Police will also be watching for cyclists - reminding families that bikes are allowed, but e‑scooters are not. Helmets and road awareness remain essential.
Kernen’s final advice for the first week: “Keep your heads on a swivel, and take a few extra minutes until everything settles down.”
