While it's an exciting time for students in Weyburn, it's a time for drivers to cultivate more patience after two months without school buses in traffic in the morning and afternoons.
Now, drivers are likely noticing them once again. This is why SGI and law enforcement are shining the Traffic Safety Spotlight on School Zone safety.
Not only are the school zones busier, but drivers also need to be cautious along the routes students take to walk or bike to school, as well as being aware of bus stops, where children are being picked up for school or being dropped off close to home.
The only way for a driver to score an A+ is to slow down and be alert, watching for students and following posted speed limits. When school buses are stopped with amber lights flashing, slow down and check for children who may be crossing. The Weyburn Police Service has also previously warned about the penalties for U-turns in school zones.
"We just want to remind drivers to know what the rules are around school zones in your community. I think a good rule of thumb is to stay back, give them lots of room. Be very careful of children who may be coming on and off that school bus, crossing the street around those school buses. And of course, when those red lights are flashing, those stop arms are out, if those are applicable in your community, just stay back until it's safe to proceed," said Michaela Solomon, Communications Consultant for Media Relations with SGI.
Obeying posted speed limits in school zones is so important, as slowing down and focusing on the road gives drivers more time to react if a child steps into the street unexpectedly.
Not only is a faster-moving vehicle likely to cause a greater risk of injury or fatality in the event of a collision, but 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.
"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."
Drivers should keep cellphones and other distractions stowed away to keep their focus on the road, and respect 'no stopping' zones to avoid adding to school zone congestion. Those dropping kids off should use 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."