School Safety | Town of Milton

What's on this page

↓Overview
↓Crossing guards
↓Special areas near schools
↓School travel safety tips
↓Stay alert and share the road

Overview

School zones are high-traffic areas, especially during school season, where drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians must slow down, stay alert, and make safety a priority.

The Town of Milton has policies in place to improve school zone safety. Here’s how we can all contribute.

Crossing guards

Crossing guards help children and pedestrians cross safely near elementary schools by temporarily stopping traffic. Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists must follow instructions from crossing guards and be prepared to stop when required.

Apply to be a crossing guard

Safety rules by user type

Drivers

Stop when a crossing guard raises their sign

Wait until the guard and all pedestrians have completely cleared the road before proceeding

Pedestrians

Wait for the crossing guard to signal before crossing

Follow the guard’s instructions at all times

Cyclists and scooter riders

Dismount and walk your bicycle or scooter through the crossing

Riding through the crossing is not permitted

For more details, view crossing guard schedules and locations by school.

Special areas near schools

Different types of crossings and designated areas are used near schools to help manage traffic and improve safety. Understanding how each one works can help reduce confusion and prevent conflicts.

School crossings

School crossings are different from pedestrian crossovers (PXOs). At a school crossing, pedestrians have the right of way only when a crossing guard is present.

Always wait for vehicles to stop before crossing.

School drop-off zones (Kiss and Rides)

Some schools have designated drop-off zones for students. Obey all signs in these areas. These zones:

Are available at select schools.
May be prioritized for kindergarten students and children with special needs.

Are monitored by by-law enforcement and license plate recognition (LPR)

Always follow posted signage and instructions when using these areas.

Pedestrian crossings

Students and families should use pedestrian crossings when available. These are often located at signalized intersections or marked crosswalks to improve safety.

Some pedestrian crossovers (PXOs) have rectangular rapid flashing beacons. Press the button to activate the beacon and wait for vehicles to stop before crossing.

School travel safety tips

Select a travel type below to view safety tips for walking, cycling, or driving near schools.

Walking to school

Walking is great exercise—if done safely.
Obey all traffic signals. Press the button to activate the rectangular rapid flashing beacons at PXOs when available.
Use school crossings with crossing guards. Pedestrians only have the right of way when a guard is present. Always wait for vehicles to stop before crossing.
Stay alert. Do not run or play near the road. Always walk your bike or scooter while crossing.

Learn more about pedestrian safety in Milton

Cycling to school

Ride with the flow of traffic.
Wear a helmet and use bike lanes when available.
Stop for stop signs, red lights, pedestrians at crosswalks, and school buses with flashing red lights.
Give parked cars space. Ride in a straight line to help drivers anticipate your movements.
Use hand signals early to indicate turns or stops.
Walk bicycles across pedestrian crosswalks and PXOs.

Learn more about cycling safety in Milton

Driving near schools

Follow school zone rules, including reduced speed limits, flashing lights, and parking/stopping restrictions.
Check the entire crosswalk before turning near schools. Make eye contact with pedestrians and cyclists.
Stay distraction-free. Put down your phone and avoid eating or drinking while driving.
Be patient at school crossings. Stop until the crossing guard and all pedestrians are off the road.
Always stop when you approach a stopped school bus that has its red lights flashing. Remain stopped until the bus moves or its lights have stopped flashing.

Learn more about driving and traffic safety in Milton

Stay alert and share the road

Everyone using the road has a responsibility to help keep school zones safe. Being aware of your surroundings and following traffic rules helps reduce risks and improve safety for children and families.

Watch for children entering or crossing the road

Follow all signs, signals, and posted speed limits

Be patient during busy pick-up and drop-off times

Stay alert and avoid distractions

Working together helps create safer school zones for everyone.