Community safety zones, nestled amid Ontario’s busy cities and peaceful countryside, are a testament to our collective commitment to the safety and well-being of residents and visitors. However, a 2019 CAA poll found that 70% of Canadians have witnessed speeding in school zones, which are designated community safety zones¹. Since National School Safety Week is October 17-23, it’s crucial that we all understand the laws, fines, and insurance impact of unsafe driving in these zones. This awareness will hopefully empower all of us to contribute more to the safety of our communities.

What is a community safety zone?
Community safety zones are designated stretches of roadway where public safety is a top priority. They're recognized under provincial legislation and marked with community safety zone signs. These zones increase safety measures and protect vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. They're typically situated near schools, daycare centres, hospitals, parks, playgrounds, senior citizen residences, and areas prone to collisions. Community safety zones have reduced speed limits and increased fines to encourage responsible driving habits.

What is the speed limit in a community safety zone?
Community safety zones have strict speed limits, so paying attention to the posted signage is essential. For example, the speed limit in school zones is usually between 30 and 40 kilometres per hour (km/h). This limit is enforced from September to June from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays unless a different schedule is posted. It's important to note that drivers should still be vigilant for children in these areas, even outside the designated times and during the summer break, to ensure everyone's safety.

Community safety zone penalties
You’ve likely seen signs for community safety zones near the schools you work at. These zones were introduced in 2012 to protect children on their way to and from school. Exceeding the speed limit in these zones comes with hefty fines, especially compared to standard speeding penalties². Below is a breakdown of the fines you’ll receive based on how much you exceed the speed limit²:
 

• Less than 20 km/h over is $3.00 for every km/h over the limit

• 20 to 29 km/h over is $4.50 for every km/h over the limit

• 30 to 49 km/h over is $7.00 for every km/h over the limit

• More than 50 km/h over is $9.75 for every km/h over the limit

These fines are doubled in designated school zones, meaning the financial impact can be significant². Along with the fines listed above, you’ll also receive demerit points based on how much you exceed the speed limit²:
 

• 16 to 29 km/h over the limit is 3 demerit points
• 30 to 49 km/h over the limit is 4 demerit points
• More than 50 km/h over the limit is 6 demerit points, additional penalties, and probable licence suspension

How do community safety zone tickets impact insurance?
If you’re convicted of violating traffic laws in a community safety zone, it’ll increase your insurance and stay on your driving record. The duration and extent of the impact depend on the nature of the violation and the number of other violations you’ve already accumulated. For example, you could see a more significant impact on your insurance if you're also convicted of careless or distracted driving.

Again, it depends on the severity of the violation, but minor and major traffic convictions can impact your insurance rate for up to three years. Since insurance companies have varying surcharges for different fines, it's essential to speak with an insurance broker to compare options for the right coverage based on your circumstances. Once the ticket clears from your driving record, it's recommended that you compare options again.

The importance of community safety zones
Below are more statistics from CAA about driving behaviour in school zones¹:
 

• Nearly 1 in 4 drivers report witnessing a near miss or collision in a school zone, more than half involving children.
• Roughly half of Canadians have witnessed a distracted driver in a school zone.
• Almost 6 in 10 Canadians say there’s more unsafe driving behaviour in school zones nowadays than in the past.
• The top 3 unsafe driving behaviours seen in school zones are speeding, illegal parking/stopping, and distracted driving.

While the statistics listed above are alarming, keep in mind that by prioritizing safety and implementing targeted measures, community safety zones have:
 

• Decreased the number and severity of collisions, especially those that involve vulnerable road users.
• Improved driving habits, such as obeying speed limits and yielding to pedestrians.
• Enhanced quality of life, allowing children to travel to and from school safely.

Children keep our neighbourhoods buzzing with energy and happiness. Let’s keep them safe on our roads, especially when they’re travelling to and from school. Pedestrian safety begins with us, the drivers. Let’s take the lead in demonstrating safe driving habits and promoting vigilance and responsibility.

If you’re not insured with OTIP and are shopping for auto insurance, call us at 1-833-615-9326 to get a quote and receive a $20 gift card of your choice!
 

1. CAA National – School Zone Safety – Statistics
2. XPolice – What to Know About Ontario’s School Zone Speeding Laws