Children are walking and biking to school once again, and that means racing to get to work on time can no longer be priority No. 1 on weekday mornings.
The safety of students is paramount, and with that in mind, the RCMP issued some back-to-school reminders for motorists, students, and parents and caregivers.
One that’s obvious but worth repeating is that school zones are back in effect, and 30-kilometre-per-hour limits will be enforced from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on school days.
“The Nanaimo RCMP will be out on full force patrolling school zones to ensure the safety of all students,” said reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson. “Please be responsible and reduce your speeds accordingly. We need your help keeping our children and roads safe.”
Drivers should proceed with caution close to school buses, and if school buses are stopped with red lights flashing, motorists in both directions must stop. Police suggest that even if the red lights are not flashing but children appear to be getting on or off the bus, “play it safe and wait till the bus starts moving.”
Students, for their part, should be looking both ways before crossing the street at designated intersections, and attempting to also make eye contact with drivers of approaching vehicles to ensure they are slowing down. They shouldn’t have their earbuds in when crossing the street. As well, kids biking to school should be dismounting and walking their bikes across intersections.
As a community, we can help students get to school safe and sound and ready to learn, grow and thrive.
