Nelson Police remind motorists school back Tuesday
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 Kootenay Lake School District, Tuesday September 4th, marks the first day back for students.
Students will have instructional hours of school is half day, with buses home running three hours early from end of day. Full day instruction begins Wednesday, September 5th.
The Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) said every year in the Southern Interior, one child walking or cycling (aged five to 18) are killed and 42 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, 380 children are injured in crashes while walking or cycling and six are killed throughout the province. In school and playground zones, 86 children are injured every year.
In the Heritage City, Nelson Police will be out monitoring school zones watching for drivers exceeding the 30 km/h zones.
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.
