Parents concerned about dangerous drop-off, pick-up habits in school zones
Posted Sep 3, 2026 08:29:52 AM.
New numbers from CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) show the back-to-school nerves aren’t just felt by the students.
Parents across the province are increasingly concerned about school zone driving, especially when dropping off or picking up the kids.
“Eight in 10 parents report congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times, while 84 per cent say they have witnessed at least one dangerous driving behaviour in their child’s school zone,” read a recent report from CAA SCO.
The numbers show more than half of Ontario parents surveyed felt their child’s school zone was not safe at all.
“Back-to-school season is exciting, but it can also be hectic,” says Tracy Marshall, manager, community relations at CAA SCO.
“The good news is that small changes to our daily routines can make a meaningful difference. By planning ahead, following school drop-off procedures and staying alert, we can all help make school zones safer for children, parents and school staff.”
The group is recommending families walk or bike to school when/if possible, consider a “park and walk” approach to getting to class, and go over safety rules with children.
The full results from the survey can be found here.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) meantime has launched a social media campaign promoting back-to-school safety, including reminders for motorists when it comes to crosswalk, school zone and school bus safety.
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