Drivers near Pineview Elementary were reminded to slow down this morning (Sept. 8) as school zones are back in effect.
The Prince George RCMP, in partnership with School District 57, ICBC and the Citizens on Patrol volunteers were set up outside the school to enforce school zones and watch for distracted drivers.
“It is a particularly a hard-hit spot for speeders going through the school zone so we started out fresh at the beginning of the school year here just reminding people that it is a school zone and that they do have to slow down,” explained Prince George RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.
Within 10 minutes they had pulled over and given verbal warnings to three drivers and were in the process of enforcement action with another driver.
“That is four in ten minutes so it’s taking a few people by surprise today I think,” said Cooper, adding it’s very important that drivers be mindful of school zones.
“Kids at the beginning of school especially are very excited and they are not going to be paying attention and they aren’t going to be watching for cars because that kind of safety thing goes out the window when it’s your first or second day back,” said Cooper.
“It’s up to drivers to make that choice to slow down and be more mindful of their driving because we can’t necessarily rely on the kids to be more mindful of us. That means put the phone down, leave your coffee alone while you are driving through, approaching or exiting a school zone because it is just a high traffic area for pedestrians and cyclists.”
When entering a school zone remember to slow down to 30km/h from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Police say should also look out for children walking to and from school while backing out near a school zone and watch for kids on bikes especially at intersections and driveways.
Vehicles must also stop when a school bus displays red flashing warning lights and extends the stop signal arm – and can’t pass until the flashing red lights and signals are turned off.
September is also distracted driving and occupant restraint (seatbelts) month for B.C. police. That means police across the province will be conducting increased distracted driving enforcement and seatbelt checks.
The fines for distracted driving start at $368 and 4 penalty points, plus a Driver Risk Premium assessed by ICBC. In addition, vehicle insurance costs may be affected and too many points assessed against one’s license may result in a prohibition from driving.
The fine for not wearing seatbelts is $167 dollars.
