With the start of a new school year Tuesday, Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP are reminding residents of a few safety tips for driving in our neighbourhoods.
“Vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle and school bus safety are all important topics parents should review with their children,” said RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk.
With regards to vehicle safety, parents dropping off their children should avoid parking on the opposite side of the street from the school. If this is unavoidable, ensure children know how to safely navigate their way across a roadway by using a designated crosswalk. Also, avoid double parking by stopping and unloading in non-designated parking-drop-off zones. Do not block buses or use designated bus only areas for dropping off or picking up the children.
Do not park inside or over a designated crosswalk or pass a stopped vehicle which is allowing pedestrians to cross the street. Learn the traffic patterns at the school and be courteous to other drivers, obeying the directions of crossing guards.
Children exiting vehicles should also be careful when opening doors, and whenever possible, they should exit on the curb side of the vehicle.
“Always discourage your children from crossing the road in the middle of the block,” said Molendyk.
Drivers should make a mental note of school zone speed limits back in effect.
When school is in session, motorists driving in school zones may go no faster than 30 km/h between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Be mindful of school buses in the area and remember, the law requires drivers to stop for school buses when their red lights are flashing.
Fines for speeding in a school or playground zone range from $196 to $253. Drivers should also be aware that if they are caught speeding 40 kilometres or more over the posted speed limit they will face a seven-day impoundment of their vehicle.
According to ICBC statistics, every year in B.C., an average of 16,045 children aged five to 18 are involved in crashes, resulting in 5,215 injuries and 34 deaths.
“We all need to do our part to keep students safe,” said education minister George Abbott. “School children will be everywhere in the coming days and every driver should step up their awareness and make sure they are paying attention at the wheel.”
