With kids now back to school around the province, September's traffic safety spotlight is highlighting school zone safety in Saskatchewan.
Police will be watching for traffic violations in and around school zones, including drivers speeding in school zones, failing to stop at stop signs or yield signs, failing to yield for pedestrians, failing to obey crossing guards or failing to obey school bus cross arms and flashing lights.
"The combination of the high-traffic area and our most vulnerable road users - children - makes school zones particularly risky," said Andrew Cartmell, President and CEO of SGI.
"Slow down and stay alert to help keep everyone safe."
In 2013*, there were 24 collisions in school zones in the province, resulting in 9 injuries.
"If you drive even 10 km/h over the posted speed limit in a school zone and you hit a child, you increase the risk of seriously injuring that child by up to 50 per cent," said Cpl. Doug Green, Forensic Collision Reconstructionist with the RCMP. "And if you're going 50 km/h in a 30 km/h zone, you might not even have a chance to hit the brakes before you hit them."
That's why it's so important to slow down. Speed limits in school zones vary by municipality, but they will be marked with regulatory reflective signs. In some areas of the province, reduced speeds remain in effect evenings and weekends, not just during regular school hours and some all year long. Check with your local municipal office if you're unsure of the rules in your community.
Penalties for speeding in school zones, under The Traffic Safety Act, include a fine of at least $190 and three demerit points under SGI's Safe Driver Recognition program.
Visit SGI's website at www.sgi.sk.ca for more information about school zone safety or for details about the Road Safety Challenge and how #wecandrivebetter.
