ICBC and CRD remind drivers to slow down in school zones

The Capital Regional District (CRD) Traffic Safety Commission and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) are reminding drivers to do their part in keeping students safe by slowing down in school zones.

School zones have a 30km/hr speed limit in effect every school day from 8 am to 5 pm. Driving at slower speeds and being extra cautious allows time to react to children’s unexpected movements, reducing the chances of crashes, injury, and death.

While this is a busy time of year for everyone, it’s important to let students travel safely. So, this September, extra signs will be in place reminding drivers to “Remember your Back-to-School Brakes”.

Thousands of Students Returning to School

Across the Capital Region, one-third of students walk or bike to school every day. That puts over 10,000 students on the roads and sidewalks around their local schools.

And while walking and biking is a fun and safe way for children to get to school, some youngsters can be unpredictable on the roads.

Back to school is a great time to remind children (and parents) of the rules of the road and how to see and be seen on our roads.

Six tips for drivers

1. Every school day, unless otherwise posted, a 30-km/hr speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8 am to 5 pm.
2. Take your time and don’t rush – especially through intersections. Look for children especially near or around crosswalks and intersections.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Watch for school buses. Vehicles approaching from both directions must stop for school buses when their lights are flashing.
6. Before getting into your vehicle, walk around your vehicle to make sure no small children are behind it. Always look for pedestrians when you’re backing up.

Seven tips for parents and students

Post these safety tips in your home and review them with your children – even older children need to be reminded about road safety.

1. Map it out. Plan your child’s walking route to school with them ahead of time. Review street names and landmarks to orient them.
2. Set a good example. Never jaywalk or run to cross the street. Where possible, cross at intersections with a pedestrian crossing light or marked crosswalk.
3. Look. Make sure all vehicles have stopped before entering the road. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing, even if the walk signal is on.
4. Listen. Put away the electronic gadgets, cell phone and ear buds so you can hear approaching traffic that may be hard to see.
5. Be seen. Wear bright clothes and/or reflective gear especially at night and in poor weather.
6. Parked vehicles. Avoid shortcuts through parking lots or around parked cars where it’s harder for drivers to see small children.
7. Sidewalk/no sidewalk. Walk on the inside edge of the sidewalk away from the road, so you’re further away from traffic. Walk facing oncoming traffic if there isn’t a sidewalk, so you can see approaching vehicles and make eye contact with drivers.