Motorists and students are being reminded of road safety as another school year resumes.
As of Tuesday, the speed limit in school zones is 30 kilometres an hour from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“If a vehicle is stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, they may be yielding to a pedestrian, so be prepared to stop,” said Cpl Robert Mc Donald, with the RCMP’s E division traffic services.
“School buses will be back on our roads. Vehicles approaching from both directions must stop for school buses when their lights are flashing.”
The fine for speeding in a school zone is $196 to $253, while it is $167 for failing to stop for a school bus or yielding to a pedestrian.
There are also safety precautions students should take.
“Remove your headphones and put away your phone or other electronic gadgets when crossing the street,” said McDonald.
“Focus on the road so you can see, hear and respond safely.”
Be aware of parked vehicles in a parking lot or on the road.
“A driver may not see you between parked vehicles and you may not see them moving,” said McDonald.
“Before crossing or walking through a parking lot, stop and look left-right-left around parked vehicles. Children should avoid taking shortcuts through parking lots.”
Car crashes are still the number one preventable cause of death for children and youth in B.C. aged five to 18.
“As people return to work and school from summer holidays, drivers should plan for more traffic, be extra cautious and watch for children, especially in or around school zones,” said McDonald.
“Our expectation is that drivers will follow the law, and obey posted speed limits, especially around school zones. But we will be there for those drivers who can’t police themselves.”
