NPD has message for drivers as children return to school — SLOW DOWN
By Nelson Daily Staff
Nelson Police Department Sergeant Janet Scott-Pryke has one message for drivers traveling near schools Tuesday — SLOW DOWN around schools.
Sgt. Scott-Pryke issued the warning in a media release.
“Keep plenty of space between you and cars in front,” Sgt. Scott-Pryke explains.
“And please, remember the speed limit in School Zones is 30 kilomtres but with the excitement of first days please keep speeds well under the 30 kilometre limit.”
Tuesday is the first day back for students in schools districts throughout the province.
Some tips for drives include:
· Now that school is back in session, don’t forget that 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.
· If a vehicle is stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, they may be yielding to a pedestrian, so be prepared to stop.
· Always yield to pedestrians – it’s the law.
· School buses will be back on our roads. Vehicles approaching from both directions must stop for school buses when their lights are flashing.
· Before getting into your vehicle, make a habit of walking around your vehicle to make sure no small children are behind it. Always look for pedestrians when you’re backing up.
There are also a few things parents and students should be concerned with:
· Remove your headphones and put away your phone or other electronicgadgets when crossing the street. Focus on the road so you can see, hear and respond safely.
· Make eye contact with drivers, so you both know you see each other.
· Dress to be seen. Wear bright or light colored clothing. In dark or bad weather, wear reflective material on clothes or accessories.
· 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.
Police will be on patrol in schools zones in Nelson and area.
And drivers getting caught speeding should be aware a fine in a school or playground zone could be between $196 and $253.
Failure to stop for a school bus, pedestrian or disobeying a school guard or patrol officers is $167.
“Please remember to watch out for children walking, scootering and cycling to school,” said Sgt. Scott-Pryke .
“Show your children the safest places to cross the road – remind them to look left and right for vehicles.”
