Fraser Valley – With the start of the new school year RCMP ask drivers to be especially careful and watch for children on the roads as the kids head back to class.
The beginning of school also means School Zones will be in effect throughout the region with speed limits of 30 kilometers per hour during scheduled school days from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., with the exception of Chilliwack where school zones are from 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Police will be closely monitoring drivers’ speeds in school zones across the UFVRD area.
“The new school year provides a good opportunity for parents to speak to their children about road safety. Police want to ensure everyone has a safe start to the school year and again remind drivers to slow down and watch for children along the road,” said Cpl. Mike Rail.
Some safety tips from police and our partners at ICBC.
Drivers:
· When dropping off your children in school zones, allow them time to exit the car on the side closest to the sidewalk. Never allow a child to cross the street mid-block.
· If a vehicle is 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.
· Watch for school buses. Vehicles approaching from both directions must stop for school buses when their lights are flashing.
Pedestrians:
· Be aware of parked vehicles in a parking lot or on the road. A driver may not see you between parked vehicles and you may not see them moving. Before crossing or walking through a parking lot, stop and look left-right-left around parked vehicles. Children should avoid taking shortcuts through parking lots.
· Stay alert until you have safely reached the other side of the road, cars can come from all directions.
· Listening to loud music on headphones can dull your senses to oncoming dangers.
