School crossing guards play a very important role in the safety of students going to and from school.

Unfortunately, Morden Police Chief Brad Neduzak says each year they get multiple complaints of drivers failing to comply with crossing guard signals, driving through the intersection while students are in the middle, or travelling at rates of speeds too high for a school zone.

Neduzak says the Morden Police Service continues to get complaints about one particular area, Thornhill Street and Eleventh Street at Maple Leaf School.

"It is a traffic control light, which when the crossing guards activate, it turns red. And we have issues that when the crossing guards complete their crossing with students, and get back to the curbs, people continue through the red light before it turns green. We ask people to be aware. It is a traffic control light, and you must wait until it turns green to proceed through."

With school back in session now, there is an increased amount of traffic, including cyclists and pedestrians. Neduzak says the biggest thing people can do to help make it a safe commute for everyone, is to try and give yourself extra time to get to your destination. "It will take a little more time with the students going to and from school. Be aware of the pedestrian crosswalks and corridors, in general allowing for cyclists and pedestrians to cross, as well as any intersection," added Neduzak.

Neduzak also says drivers are reminded that they are required to stop for school buses when the emergency lights are activated, both following and approaching school buses. Motorists are reminded that they are to stop no less than 5 metres from the school bus when its lights are activated and remain stopped until the lights are shut off. The fine for passing a school bus is $672 and demerit points.

With so many distractions in life, when you're behind the wheel, Neduzak says it's very important to try and only focus on your driving and not worry about other things happening in your day. "It's easier said than done sometimes, but it's so important to focus on the roadway, and the traffic, the pedestrians, and the cyclists. Try and clear your mind and then you can do your other things when you get to your destination safely."