NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has received a complaint of motorists disobeying the directions of a crossing guard in Fergus. Specifically being reported are motorists making right turns while the crossing guard is trying to cross children through an intersection.
There are trained crossing guards located in a number of locations throughout Wellington County. Their role is to direct and supervise the movement of persons across a highway by creating necessary gaps in vehicular traffic allowing pedestrians and especially children to cross roads safely.
The Highway Traffic Act states that when a school crossing sign is displayed the driver of any vehicle approaching the stop sign shall stop before reaching the crossing and shall remain stopped until all persons, including the school crossing guard have cleared the roadway upon which the vehicle is travelling and it is safe to proceed. Only when pedestrians and school crossing guards have crossed and are safely on the sidewalk can drivers and cyclists proceed.
Drivers become complacent around crossing guards and school crossings. Vehicle operators need to slow down and pay extra attention around school zones and crossing guards at all times. The OPP are urging all drivers to concentrate on their driving and to put away all distractions while operating their vehicle.
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