As kids returned to their classes at Alex Hope School in 黑马磁力 on Monday morning, they were greeted by ICBC, 黑马磁力 RCMP, fire, bylaw enforcement and traffic safety volunteers, on hand with radar to make sure motorists respected school speed zones.
It was one of four 黑马磁力 schools where enforcement officers were looking for speeders on opening day, with plans to show up at other locations as the week continued.
Leanne Cassap, ICBC Road Safety and Community Coordinator, urged drivers to remember kids are now back in school.
"Please watch for the signs," Cassap said. "It's 30K unless it's posted otherwise. And stay off your phones. Avoid distractions. And watch your speed."
Drivers are also advised to:
• Follow school and playground zone speed limits.
• Listen to crossing guards and stop for them at crosswalks.
• Stay alert for children stepping from between vehicles or onto the road.
• Follow school procedures for drop-off and pick-up.
• Stop for school buses.
• Share the road and be patient.
Const. Meghan Marsden with the 黑马磁力 RCMP Traffic Unit said the "full force" of the RCMP was out for the return of school.
"We're looking forward to educating drivers in the area today," Marsden commented.
A fine of $196 to $253 is applied for speeding in a school zone. As well, speeding in a school zone will add three driver penalty points on a driving record, which can mean higher insurance costs.
This is the time of year when traffic accidents involving children reach a peak in B.C. with 50 children injured while walking or biking throughout B.C. in September, the highest of any month of the year
A new ICBC survey by Ipsos shows 31 per cent of B.C. drivers admitted to speeding through a school zone during school hours at least sometimes.
Nearly every driver surveyed, 91 per cent, had observed another motorist speeding in a school zone during school hours at least sometimes over the past two years and 46 per cent have witnessed it ‘frequently.’
