Vancouver – As the first week of school arrives, Vancouver Police and ICBC are reminding all road users to be extra cautious, slow down, and stay attentive on the road.
“There hasn’t been a lot of student traffic in and around schools during the pandemic,” says Constable Tania Visintin, VPD. “This September, it is more important than ever to remind all road users to be vigilant on the roads, especially in school zones.”
Last year, over 6,940 drivers were ticketed for speeding in school and playground zones in B.C. Police and Speed Watch volunteers from ICBC will be closely monitoring drivers’ speeds in school zones to help children get a safe start to the school year.
“Our roads will be very busy with the start of the school year so drivers should allow extra travel time, stay focused on the road, and watch for children, especially in or around school zones,” says Paul Goodman, local road safety coordinator for ICBC. “We’re encouraging parents to review the rules of the road with their children and go over their daily route to and from school.”
Reminders for drivers:
- Every school day, unless otherwise posted, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In playground zones, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect every day from dawn to dusk.
- Drivers can be fined $196 for disobeying the speed limit.
- Always yield to pedestrians at designated crosswalks – it’s the law.
- Put down the phone and don’t drive distracted.
- Never pass a stopped school bus when the bus lights are flashing. Drivers can be fined $368.
- When dropping off children in school zones, stop and allow them to exit the car on the side closest to the sidewalk. Never allow a child to cross mid-block.
Reminders for students:
- Make eye contact with drivers.
- Look both ways before you cross the street. Never jaywalk or run to cross the street. Where possible, cross at intersections with a pedestrian crossing light or marked crosswalk.
- Don’t use headphones and put away phones or other gadgets when crossing the street – focus on the road.
- Wear bright clothes and/or reflective gear especially at night and in poor weather.
“We all have a role in making sure students arrive safely at their destinations,” adds Constable Visintin.
For more information on road safety, please see more road safety tips from VPD and more road safety tips from ICBC.