Summer vacations are over, and people are getting back to their normal routines. That means more traffic during the week, and students back in school zones. During the hours of 8am and 5pm, normal school days, school zones have a 30kmh speed limit, which police will be monitoring closely. Drivers, make sure to leave early to accommodate the changes.
B.C. government, ICBC and police ask drivers & parents to keep children safe as school returns
Tips for drivers:
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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.
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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.
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If a vehicle’s stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, they may be yielding to a pedestrian, so proceed with caution and be prepared to stop.
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Watch for school buses. Vehicles approaching from both directions must stop for school buses when their lights are flashing.
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Before getting into your vehicle, walk around your vehicle to make sure no small children are hidden from your view. Always look for pedestrians when you’re backing up.
Tips for parents and kids:
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Review ICBC’s child pedestrian safety tips with your children and post them in your home.
Regional statistics*:
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In the Lower Mainland, 46 children aged five to 18 are injured in crashes in school or playground zones every year.
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On Vancouver Island, 12 children aged five to 18 are injured in crashes in school or playground zones every year.
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In the Southern Interior, 14 children aged five to 18 are injured in crashes in school or playground zones every year.
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In North Central B.C., seven children aged five to 18 are injured in crashes in school or playground zones every year.
ICBC provides free road safety educational materials to B.C. schools to help students from kindergarten to grade 10 learn about road safety topics unique to their grade level using fun and interactive activities.