Swift Current Municipal RCMP Staff Sergeant Evan Gordon is reminding people to be cautious while driving now that kids are back in school.
While kids should be educated on how to safely cross the street, it's up to adults to be aware when the students are less than so. While they run to and from school, and are busy catching up with their friends on all their summer adventures, they can easily forget to check both ways before crossing the street.
Gordon's first reminder for drivers is that in school zones, there is always a speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour. Fines for exceeding that limit start at $170 and only go up from that point.
"You also have to take into account the three points, or demerits, that can get added onto your license," said Gordon. "But the biggest concern, really, is the safety of the kids."
By keeping speeds down, people give themselves more time to react to any kids that may dart out from between parked cars.
Grodon also reminds kids that even when they cross at a crosswalk, they need to look both ways for vehicles.
"Everybody's got to take safety into their own hands here," said Gordon. "For parents who are dropping off or picking up, there are a few tips for them as well."
There are no U-turns allowed in school zones. Kids being dropped off should not be let out right at a crosswalk, as it creates a visual obstruction. Kids should be dropped off on the same side of the street as the school is.
"Also, it's illegal to stop in the middle of the road, so make sure to use those designated pick up and drop off areas," said Gordon.
For school bus safety, parents and other drivers are reminded that when the stop sign is out and the red lights are flashing, all traffic must stop.
"And it's not to stop then proceed slowly," clarrified Gordon. "When the arm retracts, that's when it's safe to go."