As youth across the province return to school in cars, by bike, and on foot, officials are warning the province’s drivers to be mindful of 30 km/h school zones this week.
Watch for police officers and Speed Watch volunteers at schools throughout September reminding drivers that school zones are back in effect.
⚠️Students are back to school at @sd61schools this week! ⚠️You’ll see us in school zones across @CityOfVictoria & @EsquimaltBC reminding you to slow down. Let’s keep our students, families & staff in mind & have a safe start to back-to-school! pic.twitter.com/eAoixsu6Wh
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) September 6, 2021
ICBC data shows that every year, an average of 370 children are injured in crashes while walking or cycling in B.C. Of those injuries, 66 occur in school and playground zones.
READ MORE: Distracted parents in drop-off zones a top concern for back-to-school rush: BCAA
In a school or playground zone, the fines for speeding range from $196 to $253. Despite the costly consequences, over 6,940 drivers were ticketed for speeding in school and playground zones in B.C. last year.
“Let’s all do our part to slow down and keep school zones safe so that students can focus on learning, growing and thriving,” said Victoria Police Chief Del Manak in a statement Tuesday (Sept. 7).
Want to avoid a ticket and keep school zones safe? Keep an eye out for those bright yellow signs and ease off the gas while school zones are in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days.
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