It’s that time of year when the days are growing shorter, and students and parents across British Columbia are preparing for the start of a new school year. For all drivers, this means we need to be laser-focused on one of our most important responsibilities – keeping the roads safe for children.
Every year in BC, 359 children are injured in crashes while walking or riding their bike. With the return to school after the Labour Day weekend, comes a significant increase in pedestrian and vehicle traffic around schools and residential areas. This uptick in activity heightens the risk of accidents, making it imperative for drivers to exercise extra caution. School zones are particularly important areas of awareness and adherence to traffic regulations. Reducing your speed and staying alert in these zones is not just a matter of following the law; it's about demonstrating a commitment to the safety of our youngest road users.
School zones are marked by specific speed limits designed to protect children, who might be walking, cycling, or waiting at bus stops.
A lower speed gives you more time to react if a child suddenly appears in the road. Additionally, avoiding distractions, such as checking your phone or adjusting your radio, is crucial. Your full attention is necessary to ensure that you can quickly respond to any unexpected situations.
Parents and caregivers can also play a vital role in encouraging awareness of road safety. Teaching children about the rules of the road is essential. Explain the importance of using crosswalks, looking both ways before crossing, and avoiding distractions like mobile devices while walking. Practice with your children ahead of time by establishing safe walking routes to school, ideally ones that avoid busy intersections and high-traffic areas. If your child is biking to school, ensure they wear a helmet and understand the rules of the road for cyclists.
Enforcement measures are in place to support these safety efforts. School zone regulations are strictly enforced by local authorities, and fines for speeding in these areas can be substantial, especially when compared to more typical traffic fines. These measures serve as a deterrent and help ensure that drivers adhere to the speed limits and other regulations designed to protect our children.
If you’re unclear on the rules or would like to teach your child prior to the school season starting up, there are various resources and campaigns dedicated to promoting back-to-school safety. Local police departments and school boards usually have programs and educational initiatives in place to teach drivers, parents, and children the importance of school zone safety.
Head to the Vancouver Police Department’s page for more info: vpd.ca/crime-prevention-safety/road-safety/. Our friends at ICBC also have some great information on their page: icbc.com/road-safety/teaching/road-safety-for-your-kids.
As we prepare for the back-to-school rush, let’s all commit to being vigilant and responsible drivers. Slowing down, staying alert, and respecting school zone regulations are simple ways to ensure that our children return to school safely. By working together, we can make a significant difference in our community and help create a safer environment for our future generations.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at bqualey@newcardealers.ca.
