Windsor police will be out in force Tuesday, making sure all students get to and from their first day of school safely.
All local Windsor-Essex school boards head back to class on Tuesday, along with St. Clair College, joining hundreds of thousands of students across the province. Police said with that, there will be increases and changes in traffic patterns. There will also be more people walking and riding bicycles.
Windsor police Constable Talya Natyshak said drivers should be particularly cautious around school buses.
"Please allow extra time if needed during your commute to as traffic flow may be slower during bus pick-up and drop-off times," said Natyshak. "It is also important to leave extra space between you and buses, and other vehicles, as they will be making frequent stops."
Natyshak also reminded people that it's against the law to drive past a school bus that has its lights flashing, and penalties can be severe. Drivers should be really vigilant as kids may make unexpected moves or even dart into traffic.
Police said students should be on alert as well, and not let their cellphone or electronic device distract them from walking or biking safely to class.
The WPS traffic enforcement unit will be out throughout the city, particularly in school zones, near bus stops and in community safety zones. They will be enforcing all laws, but Natyshak said there will be a focus on people who drive illegally around school buses or while on their phones. Police said that call or text can wait.
