Every Choice Counts on St. Marys Roads as Students Return to School

As students prepare to head back to school next week, the Town of St. Marys is reminding residents that road safety starts with each of us. September has once again been declared Road Safety Month in St. Marys, bringing renewed attention to the shared responsibility of keeping our streets safe for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.

September is an important time to refocus on safe travel habits and look out for one another. With an increase in school buses, pedestrian traffic, and busy community spaces on the roads and sidewalks, road safety awareness is in a high demand.

Throughout the month, the Town will share information, safety reminders, and resources aimed at helping all road users make informed choices and prevent incidents before they happen.

Back-to-School and Community Safety Zones
The return to school means more children walking, cycling, and waiting for buses throughout the community. Drivers are reminded to slow down, stay alert, watch for crossing guards, obey school bus signals, and stop for pedestrians at designated crossovers.
St. Marys is home to five Community Safety Zones where speed limits are reduced to 40 km/h. Located near schools, playgrounds, the Quarry, and senior residences, these zones are designed to protect some of the community's most vulnerable residents and visitors.

Road Watch
Community members can help improve road safety by reporting concerns through the Town's Stonetown Road Watch online reporting form. Whether it's speeding, visibility issues, near misses, or pedestrian hazards, resident feedback helps identify problem areas and develop future improvements.

Traffic By-laws Matter
Speed remains one of the leading factors in serious collisions. Even a small reduction in speed can significantly reduce the risk of severe injury or death in a crash.
Residents are reminded to follow posted speed limits, respect bus loading zones, and obey all traffic control devices. Traffic by-laws exist to protect everyone who uses St. Marys roads, sidewalks, and trails.

Supporting Senior Road Safety
Older adults may face unique challenges when navigating roadways, intersections, and transportation services. St. Marys offers several supports to help seniors travel safely and confidently, including the Mobility Bus, pedestrian push buttons located throughout the downtown, and resources available through ServiceOntario for licence renewals and driver support.

"Road safety is about protecting people," says Thomas Redman, Public Works Coordinator. "As we head into a busy fall season and welcome students back to school, we're reminding everyone to take that extra moment to slow down and pay attention. Whether it's a child crossing the street, a senior navigating an intersection, or a cyclist sharing the road, the choices we make behind the wheel can have a lasting impact."

Residents are encouraged to follow the Town of St. Marys on Facebook throughout September for road safety tips, reminders, and information on how to help make local streets safer for everyone.

For more information about road safety in St. Marys, visit townofstmarys.com/RoadSafety or contact the Public Works Department at 519-284-2340 ext. 213 or publicworks@town.stmarys.on.ca.

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For media inquiries: 
Kaleigh Siegner-Robertson | Corporate Communications Coordinator 
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | krobertson@town.stmarys.on.ca