Since the COVID-19 pandemic suspended B.C. schools on March 17, some school-zone speed limits were temporarily lifted.
With students going back to the classroom today (June 1) on an optional basis, that 30 km/h limit is back in full effect at Prince George and SD57 schools.
RCMP are reminding drivers and commuters to slow down in a local school zone and to adhere to that posted limit between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Safety tips for drivers include:
- Allowing time for children to exit the vehicle on the side closest to the sidewalk
- Never allow a child to cross the street mid-block
- Yield to pedestrians, especially if a vehicle is stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, proceed with caution and be prepared to stop
- Watch for school buses
- Vehicles approaching from both directions must stop for school buses when their lights are flashing
Safety tips for pedestrians include:
- Stay alert until you have safely reached the other side of the road, cars can come from all directions
- Stay ‘unplugged’ and leave gadgets in backpacks when walking or cycling, this will allow you to focus on the road, see, hear, and respond safely
- Wear high visibility clothing
Over the first two weeks of school in September, Prince George police handed out 154 tickets to drivers who were caught speeding through a 30 km/h zone, including one that clocked at 110 km/h.
Actions of that nature resulted in a $483 ticket and a one-week vehicle impoundment.
