Time to respect speeds while driving in school zones — Nelson Police
By The Nelson Daily Staff
As students from across the province head 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.
“As School Season comes back around, The Nelson Police Department would like to remind the public that school zone traffic regulations will be back in effect as of Tuesday, September 3,” said the Nelson Police media release.
“Every school day, from 8 a.m. — 5 p.m., there is a 30km/h maximum speed unless otherwise posted and drivers in both directions must stop when a school bus has its
lights flashing.”
“We will be increasing traffic patrols near school zones to ensure drivers are complying with regulations,” Nelson Police added.
Nelson Police said that school being back in session will mean many more children on the street and staff urge drivers to be extra mindful so that we can keep our youngest community members safe.
ICBC’s 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. In playground zones, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect every day from dawn to dusk.
- Leave your phone alone, and watch for children walking or cycling. Distracted and inattentive driving is one of the leading causes of crashes with pedestrians and cyclists.
- If a vehicle stops 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. When their lights are flashing, vehicles approaching from both directions must stop.
- Before getting into your vehicle, walk around it to make sure there are no small children hidden from view. Always look for pedestrians when backing up.
- Make sure your headlights, brake and turn indicator lights are clear, visible and in good working condition at all times. This can help pedestrians see you better.
- In residential areas, a ball or hockey net may mean that kids are playing nearby. Slow down and watch for children as they could dash into the street at any moment.
ICBC’s tips for parents and caregivers:
- If your child walks to school, practice their route with them ahead of time. Review street names and landmarks to orient them. Make a fun, interactive game out of guessing the correct traffic signs and meanings with your child along the route.
- If you drop off your child in a school zone, they should exit the car on the side closest to the sidewalk.
- Teach your child the basics of crossing the street:
- Stop at the curb or edge of the road.
- Look left and right for oncoming vehicles, then look left over your shoulder for vehicles that might be turning.
- Make sure all vehicles have stopped before entering the road. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing, even if the walk signal is on.
- When the intersection is clear, start crossing and keep looking for approaching vehicles.
- Teach your child to walk on the inside edge of the sidewalk away from the road, so they’re further away from traffic. If there isn’t a sidewalk, they can walk facing oncoming traffic, so they can see approaching vehicles and make eye contact with drivers.
- Set a good example by not crossing mid-block or running to cross the street. Where possible, cross at intersections with a pedestrian crossing light or marked crosswalk. Avoid shortcuts through parking lots or around parked cars where it’s harder for drivers to see small children.
- Teach your child to put away electronic gadgets, cell phone and ear buds while walking or cycling so they can scan for approaching vehicles or hear traffic.
- If your child will be outside at night or in poor weather, make sure they’re wearing bright clothes and reflective gear.
- Discourage play around or on railways. Only cross railway tracks at designated signals or signs and watch your step.
— Source ICBC
The Highway 3A traffic sign near Taghum issues another warning to drivers that school is now back in session. — The Nelson Daily photo
