Police warn drivers to slow down as kids return to school amid high snow banks in Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering and Whitby

Durham Police are reminding drivers to drive carefully a kids return to school amid a staggering snowfall. Both the public and catholic boards announced a return to in-class leaning early this morning after a two-day extension to students’ holiday break.

Police warn that as the kid return to class, so are adults returning to work. Increased volume on the roads, leads police to advise drivers to plan on taking a little longer on their commute.

They stress four tips to keep drivers and the commuting kids safe as they wait for their buses.

1. Slow down, especially in School Zones. Fines double if caught speeding in a community safety zone.
2. Stay off your phone. Always keep your full attention on the road ahead, especially when the view is blocked by snowbanks. Fiddling with the radio, mobile devices or even dialing your phone can result in a distracted driving ticket.
   1. Even if eating, smoking, reaching for something or doing your hair while driving isn’t legally “distracted driving” per se, it can still result in reckless driving charges.
3. Always stop for the school bus. Drivers going in both direction must stop when the lights start to flash. Passing a stopped school bus can result in a $2000 fine and six demerit points.
4. High snow poses a obstacle to a proper view, Police call them, “another reason to slow down and be extra vigilant.”

Officers hope these tips can “ensure the kids have a happy and safe return to school.”