Huntsville OPP is reminding motorists to use extra caution around Huntsville High School following the installation of a new pedestrian and student crosswalk on Brunel Road.
The District of Muskoka recently installed overhead pedestrian crossing lights at the intersection of Brunel Road and Cora Street at the start of the school year. The flashing lights are similar to those found at pedestrian crosswalks on Main Street East and West Street in downtown Huntsville.
The new crossing was created to provide a safer route for students crossing Brunel Road to access Huntsville High School. As a result of the upgrade, a crossing guard is no longer stationed at the location.
Police say that despite the added safety measures, drivers must continue to remain vigilant and be prepared to stop for pedestrians, especially during busy periods before and after school and during lunch hours.
Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, drivers and cyclists are required to come to a complete stop and yield the entire roadway to pedestrians using the crosswalk. Vehicles must remain stopped until pedestrians, and any school crossing guard, have fully crossed the road and reached the sidewalk.
Pedestrians also have a role to play in keeping the crossing safe. Police are reminding people to activate the crossing lights when available, wait for traffic to stop completely, and make eye contact or signal their intention before stepping onto the roadway.
The OPP notes that drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians can face fines and demerit points. However, police say the primary goal is preventing situations that place students and other pedestrians at risk.
Traffic safety remains a top priority for the OPP and an important part of its public safety mandate as the school year continues.
