RCMP, ICBC and Speed Watch to patrol school zones this coming week as 2022-23 school year begins

“Please be mindful of what time school zones start in your community,” Sgt. Vrolyk said. “The first week of school is an exciting time for students, parents and teachers alike. We want to remind motorists that school is back in session and that school zones are once again in effect. We urge drivers to be cautious and to remain watchful for children on the roadways.”

Not only is speeding through school zones and not stopping for school buses dangerous, it constitutes illegal driving behaviours. The RCMP, together with its partners from Speed Watch, Safer City and ICBC, will be in various locations throughout the community ensuring that drivers are slowing down and students are safe, Sgt. Vrolyk said.

Drivers are urged to obey speed limits, not to park inside or over a designated crosswalk, and avoid passing a stopped vehicle that is allowing pedestrians to cross the street. When approaching a school bus with its lights flashing and its stop sign extended, drivers in both lanes of traffic are required to come to a complete stop until the bus driver has turned off the lights.

Parents and caregivers are asked to talk to their children about road safety, avoid dropping off kids for school on the opposite side of the street from their school if at all possible, and avoid double-parking by stopping and/or unloading in non-designated parking drop-off zones.

For safety reasons, students are advised to review the route to and from school with a parent or guardian, cross the street at a marked crosswalk (as opposed to the erratic jaywalking attempt), looking both ways before crossing the street, removing ear buds and headphones to be aware of surroundings, and in the case of cycling, to know the rules of the road and stay as close to the right side of the street as possible.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

RCMP, ICBC and Speed Watch to patrol school zones this coming week as 2022-23 school year begins

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