It's back to school, and back to 30 km/h speed in school zones
By Nelson Daily Staff
As more than 600,000 students back to school, it’s important for motorists to respect speeds zones, school and transit buses and crosswalks near schools.
In the Heritage City, Nelson Police will be out monitoring schools zones watching for drivers exceeding the 30 km/h zones.
“Drivers need to step up their awareness on our roads as children return to school,” said Mike Bernier, Minister of Education.
B.C. is also updating its curriculum to connect kids with the skills they need to succeed. See what students will be learning this year: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/
“Slow down and pay attention to posted speed limits especially in playground or school zones,” Bernier adds.
“Drivers are also reminded they must stop for school buses when their lights are flashing.”
The Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) said every year in the Southern Interior, two children walking or cycling (aged five to 18) are killed and 43 are injured in crashes every year. In school and playground zones, 13 children are injured every year.
With children returning to school this week, 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 our roads.
Every year, 72 children are injured in crashes in school and playground zones in B.C. Police and Speed Watch volunteers will be closely monitoring drivers’ speeds in school zones across the province to help children get a safe start to the school year.
Parents are encouraged to review the rules of the road with their children and go over their daily route to and from school.
Some tips for drivers include:
-
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’s 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 it to make sure no small children are hidden from your view. Always look for pedestrians when you’re backing up.
Some tips for a cool return to school from the BC Government include:
Save for the future:
Most elementary school students are eligible for $1,200 through the B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant. Sign up today: http://ow.ly/eAut3035ngT
Traffic safety fines:
Drive safe, or pay up! If you blow past a school bus with its lights flashing you’ll now face double the fine – that’s $368. Find out more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016TRAN0097-000788
Student leaders:
Calling all athletes, academics and artists! Make your hard work pay off by applying for a B.C. scholarship: www.bced.gov.bc.ca/awards
PST exempt school supplies:
Going back to school shopping? Don’t forget your list of all the tax-exempt school supplies: http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/documents_library/bulletins/pst_202.pdf
Erase bullying:
Worried your child might be involved in bullying? Need to report bullying? Find out what you can do: http://www.erasebullying.ca/
Help for families on income assistance:
Families on income and disability assistance can get help with back to school costs like school supplies and clothing. Find out more about the School Start-up Supplement: http://ow.ly/YKUS303mQKB
Be prepared:
Wondering how your school will respond in a fire or earthquake? Check out B.C.’s Emergency Management Planning Guide: http://ow.ly/4W043035nll
B.C. school supply tax credit:
You can get a $250 tax credit per child to help with school supplies, and you don’t even have to keep your receipts. Find out more: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/home/featured-services/services/parent-tax-credits
Get your transcripts:
Graduates – order transcripts and certificates to help with your post-secondary applications: http://ow.ly/CwMc3035nrq
“The new school year is exciting for parents and students alike and everyone wants a stress-free start to the year,” Bernier said.
