(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Dawson Thompson

School Zone Safety

‘Don’t fail to slow down’ as students head back to the classroom

Sep 1, 2021 | 2:38 PM

Just like running in the hallway, speeding in school zones is not permitted and school zone safety is a must.

As students race to meet their teachers and classmates, it is important for the students to arrive alive.

According to SGI there has been 48 injuries resulting from vehicle collisions in school zones over the past decade. In the same time frame there has also been 12 injuries to pedestrians that resulted from collisions in school zones.

In 2020, 23,540 people across the province were convicted for exceeding the speed limit in a school zone.

The primary message from SGI: ‘when you pass through school zones, don’t fail to slow down’.

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“With the start of the school year we are absolutely encouraging drivers to keep in mind that school zones are going to be extra busy,” Tyler McMurchy, media relations for SGI told paNOW. “It’s really important for drivers to obey those school zone reduced speed limits.

“They need to pay attention to pedestrian crossing lights and crossing guards. They need to understand that when school buses are stopped with amber flashing lights they need to slow down and make sure it is safe before passing by, and they will want to avoid U-turns in school zones and add to the congestion and visibility issues.”

Director of public affairs for the Parkland Ambulance, Lyle Karasiuk also had a few school zone safety tips as well.

“Please motorists, take your time, and look for signs because [the laws] are now enforceable,” Karasiuk said.

A pedestrian who has stopped at a crosswalk and is ready to cross has the right of way, he added.

“Watch for our children, especially children who are excited about their first day back to school and seeing their friends, or who may be new to the area and not sure exactly where the corner is, they may dart out in between cars,” Karasiuk said. “Motorists be mindful.”

He also added it is important for parents to drop students off on the side of the school to avoid congestion, and for kids to get to school as safe as possible.

During the 2020-2021 school year the Prince Albert Police Service fined 305 people for school zone infractions with fines starting at $270 and increasing depending on speed.

Sgt. Brian Glynn said drivers could potentially pay double what they would be charged for other infractions since, “we are talking about school kids.”

“We averaged about 30 tickets a month last year and 30 is too high. We would like to see zero,” Glynn added. “We will be out there and there will be a zero tolerance for speeding through school zones.

“We will have extra police out next week, and we will be highly visible in all school zones.”

The speed limit in Prince Albert school zones are restricted to 30 km/hour from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday from September to June.

—

Dawson.thompson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @dawsonthompson8