RCMP Watching School Zones

By Tom Mark

Sep 4, 2018 | 9:45 AM

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP remind drivers of the restrictions they need to be aware of in school zones.

The 30km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days.

Excessive speeding in a school zone, such as 70 km/hr in a 30 zone will lead to a vehicle being impounded for 7 days as per provincial legislation.

The RCMP ask that when dropping off children in a School Zone, parents do so in a safe place where the children can exit onto a side walk.

Do not stop in the travel portion of the road and hurry children out.

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Drivers are also reminded that vehicles approaching a School Zone from both directions must stop for school buses when their lights are flashing.

The fine for Failing to Stop for a School Bus is $368.

Drivers and students are also reminded to put away their electronic gadgets and concentrate on the road when driving or walking across the street. Take precaution when entering a parking lot and be aware of stopped vehicles as they may be yielding to pedestrians.

“The North Okanagan Traffic Services Section is committed to increasing road-user safety, while decreasing the number of collisions at high-frequency locations within the North Okanagan” says Sgt. Steve King of the North Okanagan RCMP Traffic Services.

More Tips for Drivers:

Plan ahead, leave earlier to allow yourself extra time through School Zones.
Be alert to children near or around crosswalks and intersections.
Always yield to pedestrians.

Tips for Students:

Use designated crossing points and follow crossing signals where available.
When crossing major roads, make sure that all lanes of traffic have stopped before walking across.
Make eye contact with the drivers before stepping out onto crosswalks.
Dress to be seen – daylight hours are decreasing, so wear brighter colours or reflective material whenever possible.
Always be aware of your surroundings.

Various penalties may be imposed for motorists caught violating restrictions.

Speed in school zone: $196 to $253 (3 points) (or more for excessive speed)
Speed in playground zone: $196 to $253 (3 points) (or more for excessive speed)
Fail to stop for school bus:$368 (3 points)
Fail to yield to pedestrian at cross walk: $167 (3 points)
Fail to obey school guard: $167 (3 points)

Every year, 370 children are injured in crashes while walking, cycling or skateboarding and six are killed throughout the province.

The most frequently reported child pedestrian activity that results in injury or death is crossing at an intersection followed by running onto the road.

by Tom Mark