Thousands of children across the country put on their backpacks and finest outfits on Tuesday morning (Sept. 2) for their first day back to school.
This was no exception for the students of Saanich’s McKenzie Elementary, as Minister of Public Safety Nina Krieger and a special police escort accompanied them on their first commute of the year.
“This is an important and exciting first day of school for all families, for the entire community, and the spotlight that we're able to put on road safety,” she said.
Krieger stressed the importance of exercising extra caution at this time of year, especially near schools, playgrounds and residential areas.
“Avoiding distracted driving is key to the safety of children first and foremost,” she said, adding that respecting speed limits throughout the region and adopting good driving etiquette are also essential.
That said, the dangers of distracted driving are rarely forgiving.
“Across B.C. every year, we see three children killed and 402 injured while walking or cycling in our communities,” said ICBC road safety and community coordinator Coleen Woodger.
Of those, 42 children on Vancouver Island were injured while cycling or walking. Since September sees the highest number of such injuries, Woodger urged all road users to double down on safety – whether behind the wheel, on a bike, or on foot.
“We all have a responsibility to keep ourselves safe,” she said. “(This means) staying focused on the road, keeping those electronic devices away so that we can be familiar with our sound, making sure you're crossing at the crosswalk and that you're making eye contact with the drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.”
