In B.C., 78 children aged five to 18 are injured in crashes in school or playground zones every year.
With children heading back to school, the B.C. government, ICBC and police are asking drivers to watch for children, especially in or around school zones and expect more traffic on the roads.
Police and Speed Watch volunteers will be closely monitoring drivers’ speeds in school zones across the province.
“We’re encouraging parents to review the rules of the road with their children and go over their daily route to and from school,” said Don Miller, Mission’s road safety coordinator.
“Drivers should expect more traffic and watch for children, especially in or around school zones.”
ICBC provides free road safety educational materials to B.C. schools to help students learn about road safety using fun and interactive activities. The materials are unique to each grade level from kindergarten to Grade 10.
Tips for drivers:
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.
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.
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.
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:
Review ICBC’s child pedestrian safety tips with your children and post them in your home.
Statistics: In the Lower Mainland, 46 children aged five to 18 are injured in crashes in school or playground zones every year.