Slow down, school is back in session

Be alert, watch for students and follow the posted speed limit

With classrooms filling up and school zones buzzing with activity, it’s time for drivers to sharpen their focus and reduce their speed to protect students across Saskatchewan.

Heading back to school is an exciting time for students (and parents). It also means more foot traffic and more school buses on the roads.

Speed matters. The faster a vehicle is moving, the greater the risk of injury or fatality in the event of a collision. Slowing down and focusing on the road gives drivers more time to react if a child steps into the street unexpectedly. That’s why obeying posted speed limits in school zones is so important.

Drivers should keep cellphones and other distractions stowed away to keep their focus on the road.

“Thankfully, vehicle-pedestrian collisions in school zones are rare. We’d like to keep it that way. Reduced speed limits that drivers are required to follow in school zones is one reason collisions near schools are rare,” said JP Cullen, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund. “If drivers continue to pay close attention to posted speed limits and keep their focus on the road, they help keep children safe.”

Speeding in school zones comes with hefty penalties. Tickets start at $170 and increase by $4 for every kilometre per hour over the limit. Penalties also include a minimum additional $60 Victims of Crime surcharge.

For example: Getting caught driving 20 km/h over the posted limit would result in a $310 ticket, plus 3 demerit points under the Safe Driver Recognition program.

Drivers are reminded to respect “no stopping” zones to avoid adding to school zone congestion. If you’re dropping kids off, do it in a designated area. If you need to drop them off on the other side of the street, make sure they know to use the nearest crosswalk.

“Encouraging safety in school zones is important to school boards, and it is top of mind at this time of year with students returning to classrooms across the province,” said Dr. Shawn Davidson, president of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association. “While it’s essential to pay extra attention in these coming days and weeks, school boards also want to remind students, staff, families and communities to be diligent about school zone safety throughout the year.”

When school buses are stopped with amber lights flashing, slow down and check for children who may be crossing. Avoid U-turns in school zones, as some municipalities don’t allow them.

Be an A+ driver this fall. Slow down and be alert.

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