Back to School: Driving Safety

BC RCMP traffic services reminds drivers to remember their driving ABC’s

Back to school will be in full swing after the September long weekend. Traffic will be very busy with extra volume on BC roads. Parents rushing to get the kids to school on time are at risk of speeding and not paying full attention to the road. We encourage parents to prepare for those hectic first weeks to ensure safety for all students returning to school.

BC RCMP ABC’s of back to school safety

Hurried and aggressive driving are two common factors that lead to car accidents and injuries. Know your ABC’s and follow them when you drive. Attention – be attentive to the road, traffic, school buses and school zones. Schools start at different times (not just at 9am). Don’t drive distracted. Be prepared – know your driving route in advance and give yourself 10-15 minutes leeway. Learn your school’s drop-off and pick-up rules. They are in place solely for the safety of the children. Follow them. Children – set a great example for your children. Use the crosswalk, follow crossing guard directions, and do not reverse or u-turn in a school zone. If you want to walk your child into school, park 2-3 blocks away and walk to avoid congestion at the school entrance. Cpl. Ronda Rempel, Media Relations Officer at BC RCMP Traffic Services, reports that 78 children age 5-18 are injured in crashes in school or playground zones every year. According to ICBC over 1,700 pedestrians are injured and 50 pedestrians are killed each year in BC.

BC School Zone Laws

School zones are high-risk areas, but use your judgment when entering intersections and approaching school buses. Slow down and be extra attentive. The rules in BC for school zones are:

• School zone speed limits are maximum 30 kms/hr during regular school days, 8 am to 5 pm.
• Playground speed limits are also 30 kms/hr but are from dawn to dusk every day, all year round.

Teach your kids back to school traffic safety

If your children walk or catch public transportation to school, take the time to review good pedestrian behaviour:

• Walk on sidewalks
• Look right, left and right again before crossing a street.
• Use cross walks or light controlled intersections when possible.
• Don’t walk distracted; keep electronic devices in a pocket or bag. If a teen can’t put the device down, encourage then to only use one ear bud while walking.
• Stop, look and listen for traffic when exiting a school bus.
• Make eye contact with the driver when crossing; don’t assume they can see you.

The personal injury lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP wish everyone a safe back to school week. Resources:

• Print out a safe pedestrian tip sheet for your kids
• ICBC Road Safety for Kids
• High incident crash intersections: Crash Map Page 17-19
• Ministry of Justice Road Safety Data