Back-to-school, safety tips, new crosswalk, Hurricane Irma

Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall

Weather forecast for Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Today – Becoming a mix of sun and cloud this morning. 30 percent chance of showers this afternoon. Risk of a thunderstorm this afternoon. Wind becoming northwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 this afternoon. High 21. UV index 6 or high.

Tonight – Partly cloudy. 30 percent chance of showers this evening. Low 9.

Back-to-school

Today is the first day-back-to-school for many children across the community. Here is some information to help you on the first day back:

Local school boards

New crosswalk on Murray Street in Wallaceburg

A brand new pedestrian crosswalk has been installed at the Murray Street and Reaume Avenue intersection in Wallaceburg, and the 4-way stop has been removed.

Chatham-Kent officials said a PXO is a new way for pedestrians to easily and safely cross the road.

“Drivers and cyclists must stop and yield to pedestrians intending to cross the road, and wait for them to completely reach the other side before driving through,” Municipal officials stated.

Steps on how to use a PXO are as follows:

– Press the crossing/push button to activate the flashing lights.

– Indicate your intention to cross to drivers and cyclists on the road and make eye contact before you enter the roadway.

– Proceed with crossing when you feel it is safe to do so.

Chatham-Kent Police Service safety tips:

Just a reminder to all motorists that there will be an increase in traffic and pedestrians, especially young children out on the streets when school starts up on September 8.

Please reduce your speed in the area of cross walks and school zones, remember slower is safer.

With school buses back on the road, all drivers must stop when approaching a stopped school bus with its upper red lights and stop arm flashing, regardless of the speed limit or number of lanes.

Motorists failing to comply may be issued a minimum fine of $400 and six demerit points.

Back to school safety is a community effort!

OPP safety tips:

With children and youth returning to school, the OPP would like to remind drivers to be extra cautious on the roads during this busy time of the year.

School buses come in all sizes, but all are chrome yellow and display the words ‘School Bus’. You must stop whenever approaching a stopped school bus with its alternating red lights flashing and stop arm extended. When approaching from the front, leave a safe distance between you and the bus. When coming from behind, stop at least 20 metres away. Do not proceed before the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted.

Drivers who fail to stop are subject to being charged resulting in fines ranging from $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points. Parents should take time to educate their children to be aware of their surroundings when they are on or near school buses.

If back to school means walking or riding a bicycle to school, please help children walk and ride safely to school by following these important safety rules:

– Where possible, use a buddy system

– Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle

– STOP! before stepping into the road and look in all directions

– Stop, look and listen for traffic. Only cross when the road is clear

– Walk on sidewalks where available and always use the crosswalks

– If a crossing guard is present, listen and obey their direction

School bus info

A great resource throughout the year is schoolbusinfo.com. Is your child going to be taking the bus this year? This will be where you can find all the latest information about bus cancellations or delays . You can click here and fill in the information to receive your child’s transportation info.

No more ‘On The Go’ app

The Lambton-Kent District School Board ‘On The Go’ App will discontinued as of Sept. 1, 2017. No updates will be made to the app following this date.

LKDSB officials say a survey of staff, students, parents and community members, was conducted to better understand the use of the app and customer satisfaction to assist LKDSB Senior Administration in determining the future of the app. As a result of this survey, as well as the recent implementation of a website redesign which included dynamic and responsive website design, Senior Administration decided to discontinue the app.

Information currently available on the app can be found at www.lkdsb.net.

Users of the app are encouraged to delete the app from your device as of Sept. 1.

Photo of the day

It’s #BacktoSchool tomorrow. Watch for buses and children as they make their way to and from school. pic.twitter.com/x8k2SQ3Q0n

— JVN (Vince) Hawkes (@OPPCommHawkes) 4 September 2017