Police in Greater Victoria have their speed guns out, putting a stop to those who zoom past schools and endanger the lives of young students.
On Tuesday, January 25th, West Shore RCMP conducted a “school zone enforcement blitz” in the Helmcken Road area of View Royal, nabbing nearly a dozen drivers.
In total, police say over 400 vehicles travelled through the zone, and 10 violation tickets were issued as a result.
The blitz was all thanks to a joint effort between the West Shore RCMP Traffic Unit, First Nations Policing, Community Policing and Speed Watch volunteers, in collaboration with ICBC Road Safety.
It poses a reminder for drivers to relieve some pressure off the gas pedal and follow school zone speed limits, which is 30 km/h between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, unless otherwise posted.
For Cpl. Alex Bérubé, it’s a rule that should be taken seriously, as kids usually assume cars stop instantly.
“Until children are about eight years of age, it is difficult for them to assess whether a vehicle is moving or not,” said Bérubé.
“When children see an approaching car, they first notice the colour of the vehicle – not how fast the vehicle is travelling.”
He says it takes a vehicle 13 metres to reach a complete stop when driving 30 km/h, with the distance more than doubling when driving 50 km/h.
“Drivers should allow extra travel time, stay focused on the road and watch for children, especially in or around school zones,” added Colleen Woodger, ICBC road safety coordinator.
