Safe Roads Don’t Happen by Accident: St. Marys Residents Reminded to Put Safety First

Whether you’re behind the wheel, on foot, or cycling through town, every road user plays a part in keeping our community safe. The Town of St. Marys has declared September as “Road Safety Month”, and residents of St. Marys are being reminded to slow down, stay alert, and make choices that protect the most vulnerable in our community.

Throughout the month of September, the Town of St. Marys is sharing a series of practical reminders and resources to help drivers, pedestrians, and seniors stay safe. Some of these key messages include:  

Back-to-School & Community Safety Zones

• School is back in session, and children are once again walking and biking to class. Drivers are urged to watch for crossing guards, obey bus signals, and stop for pedestrians at crossovers.
• St. Marys has five Community Safety Zones where speed limits are reduced to 40 km/h. These areas include schools, playgrounds, and senior residences — places where extra caution can save lives.

Road Watch

• Residents are encouraged to help identify unsafe driving and pedestrian hazards by using the new Stonetown Road Watch online form. Every submission helps target improvements and keeps our streets safer.

Traffic By-laws

• Slowing down saves lives: reducing your speed by just 10 km/h can drastically reduce the chance of a fatal collision.
• Ignoring by-laws such as bus loading zones and posted speed limits can result in fines - but more importantly, it puts neighbours and families at risk.

Senior Road Safety

• Seniors often face unique challenges on our roads, whether renewing a license, crossing busy streets, or getting around town. Tools like the Mobility Bus, pedestrian push buttons downtown, and Service Ontario supports help seniors travel safely and confidently.

Safe roads are built on awareness, respect, and shared responsibility. When drivers slow down, when pedestrians use crossovers correctly, and when community members report unsafe conditions, St. Marys becomes a safer place for everyone.

“Road safety is about protecting people,” says Thomas Redman, Public Works Coordinator. “It’s about kids getting to school safely, seniors feeling confident to cross the street, and drivers making it home without incident. A small decision - like choosing to slow down - can make all the difference.”

Residents are encouraged to follow the Town’s Facebook page over the next month for reminders and tips on how to be part of the solution.

For more information on road safety in St Marys, visit www.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: 
Lauren Thomson | Marketing and Communications Specialist
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | lthomson@town.stmarys.on.ca