With a new school year underway, the Province, ICBC and Kamloops RCMP are reminding drivers and parents to help keep children safe in school zones, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone announced today.

“I have three children of my own and as a parent, I’ve taken the time to ensure my children understand how to be safe as pedestrians,” said Stone. “We’d like to remind motorists to watch their speed through school zones and at crosswalks. As parents, drivers and students, we all need to do our part to stay safe.”

Drivers are reminded 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. Parents can map out their child’s walking or cycling route to school ahead of time, so they know exactly how to get to and from school safely.

“The beginning of the school year is an exciting time for children, so road safety may not be top of mind for them,” said Lindsay Matthews, ICBC's director responsible for road safety. "We're encouraging parents to talk to their children about the rules of the road and their daily route to school. Even older children need to be reminded about road safety."

Police and Speed Watch volunteers are closely monitoring drivers’ speeds in school zones to help children get a safe start to the school year.

“Police want to reduce the number of pedestrian collisions and complaints related to speeding in school zones,” said Cpl. Brian O’Callaghan, Kamloops RCMP. “Kamloops Traffic Section recently undertook a zero tolerance enforcement initiative for school zones. As a result, police issued a number of violation tickets and significantly reduced speed-related complaints. School zones are a safe haven for children and motorists need to respect the posted 30-km/h speed limit between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. when school is in session.”

To help families, teachers and students learn about pedestrian, crosswalk and school bus safety, ICBC provides free road safety information on its website:
http://www.icbc.com/road-safety/teaching/Pages/road-safety-for-your-kids.aspx