Every year, 380 children in B.C. are injured in crashes while walking or cycling, and six are killed throughout the province. In school and playground zones, 86 children are injured every year. In the Southern Interior, one child walking or cycling is killed, and 42 children are injured, in crashes every year. In school and playground zones, 13 children are injured every year.
These figures are too high. Drivers and parents need to help reduce the risk for children so they stay safe around our roadways.
With children returning to school this week, roads will be very busy. ICBC is asking drivers to give themselves extra travel time so they aren’t rushing and therefore more likely to speed. Drivers should be completely focused on the road and be watching for children, especially in or around school zones.
School zone speed limits of 30 km/hr from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days are once more in effect. Last year, 7,900 drivers were ticketed for speeding in school and playground zones in B.C.
That will cost you; $196, to be precise. If you fail to obey a school guard or school patrol, or fail to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk, the cost is $167, and if you fail to stop for a school bus, the cost is $368.
“The RCMP urge motorists to be watchful for children on the roads,” says Corporal Mike Rail, spokesperson for the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment. “This is also a good time for parents to speak to their kids about road safety.”
Distracted driving is now a leading cause of injury and death. As a driver, your full attention must at all times be on the task of driving. This includes noting and obeying all speed limit signs, especially those in school zones. In addition, playground zone speed limits are in effect from dawn to dusk every day, and are also 30 km/hr.
Parents are encouraged to review ICBC’s tip sheet (http://bit.ly/2C2Hh31) with their children and go over their daily route to and from school with them.
Tips for drivers:
• When you’re dropping off your children in school zones, allow them to exit the car on the side closest to the sidewalk. Never allow a child to cross mid-block.
• If a vehicle is stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, they may be yielding to a pedestrian, so proceed with caution and be prepared to stop.
• Watch for school buses. When their lights are flashing, vehicles approaching from both directions must stop.
• Before getting into your vehicle, walk around it to make sure no small children are hidden from your view. Always look for pedestrians when you’re backing up.
• In residential areas, a hockey net or ball can mean that kids are playing nearby. Watch for children, as they could dash into the street at any moment.
Tips for pedestrians:
• Stay alert until you have safely reached the other side of the road, since cars can come from all directions.
• Stay “unplugged” and leave gadgets in backpacks when walking or cycling. This will allow you to focus on the road, and see, hear, and respond safely.
• Wear high visibility clothing.
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