With school back for another year, traffic safety in school zones will be a focus for SGI and for law enforcement during the month of September.
There will be stepped-up enforcement activity in and around school zones. According to SGI’s news release issued this past week, police will watch for violations such as speeding, distracted driving, failure to obey stop or yield signs, failing to yield for pedestrians, failing to obey crossing guards, or failing to obey school bus cross arms and flashing lights.
SGI reminds drivers that school zones can become extremely congested. In 2014, there were 40 collisions in school zones in the province and 15 injuries.
“Children are among the most vulnerable road users and as a motorist it’s your duty to look out for them,” said Earl Cameron, executive vice-president of the Auto Fund, in a statement.
“It’s critical to slow down and give the road your full attention in school zones. Not only does the small size of a child make them difficult to see, they can also be unpredictable as they may not yet understand rules of the road.”
SGI has issued these recommendations for drivers to follow when in or near school zones:
• Reduce speed down to the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop;
• Be familiar with school zone locations and hours of operation. Unless you need to be in a school zone, plan a different route;
• Avoid distractions and give the road full attention;
• Expect the unexpected, and drive carefully even if you have the right of way;
• Use caution when approaching or maneuvering around school buses; and
• Obey the direction of any signage, traffic control devices or crossing guards.
Throughout this school year some school buses will begin using exterior overhead amber flashing light systems when they are about to stop, in addition to overhead red flashing lights used when picking up or droping off students. Amber lights provide warning to motorists allowing time to slow down and react.
For more information, see the SGI website at www.sgi.sk.ca to learn more about school zones or pedestrian safety.
