Chilliwack – Summer vacation is coming to an end and it is back to school time for Chilliwack students. As students head back to school on Tuesday, Safer City, the City of Chilliwack Road Safety Program, is reminding motorists that school zones will be back in effect on school days from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
“Everyone needs to slow down and pay special attention when in a school zone,” said Chilliwack RCMP Corporal Daryl Dalby. “Even if it looks like there are no children on the sidewalks, they can jump out from between parked vehicles or from where you don’t expect them.”
The Safer City team which includes the City of Chilliwack, Chilliwack RCMP, Speed Watch and ICBC will be focusing extra attention on school zones this fall. Speed Watch volunteers will be working in conjunction with the Chilliwack RCMP to monitor and enforce driver behavior in school zones. A motorist speeding within a 30 km/hr school zone could face fines and potential points on his or her record, and depending on speed, could face having their vehicle impounded for seven days.
Pedestrian safety is both the driver and pedestrian’s responsibility. Children’s physical and mental capacities are still developing well into their teens and they are often unable to make safe judgments about pedestrian safety. Parents are reminded to talk with their children about what to do before crossing the road. Teach your child to use their eyes and their ears, to always ‘Stop, Think, Look and Listen,’ even if there is a crossing guard or traffic signal. Distractions are equally dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians – put away cell phones and take out ear buds.
The Chilliwack Safer City program is a partnership between the City of Chilliwack, Chilliwack RCMP and ICBC. For road safety information please visit www.safercity.ca
On Tuesday, September 6 at 7:30 am, Safety Bear and members of Chilliwack’s Safer City program will be outside Bernard Elementary at 45465 Bernard Avenue, to greet students on their first day back to school.
