Prince George RCMP is urging drivers to adjust their habits with a new school year underway.
That means adhering to the 30 km/h speed limit in school zones, which is in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all school days, or risk a fine starting at $196 and rising significantly with the driver's speed. And if someone gets hurt, criminal charges will likely follow.
It also means keeping an eye out for school buses and crossing guards.
Drivers are prohibited from passing by a school bus that is displaying red alternating lights - and that counts for drivers heading in either direction along the road.
They must stop and wait for the children to be picked up or dropped off and can start moving again only once the signal lights are no longer flashing. The fine for failing to stop for a school bus is $167.
That's also the same amount a driver will pay for failing to obey a crossing guard and there are a number of schools in the city who use them.
Enforcement at key areas will be stepped up throughout the month.
The Prince George RCMP traffic services section will not only be patrolling school zones but will be keeping an eye on nearby crosswalks and issuing tickets carrying a $167 fine for drivers who fail to stop for a pedestrian who wants to cross the street.
Citizen on Patrol volunteers, meanwhile, will be deploying speed watch signs displaying vehicle speeds and reminding drivers to slow down.
Tips from the Prince George RCMP.
Students:
- Use designated crossing points and follow crossing signals where available;
- Remove headphones from music players and put down the cell phone when crossing the road;
- When crossing major roads, make sure that all lanes of traffic have stopped before walking across. Often drivers in the middle lanes don't see pedestrians;
- Make eye contact with the drivers before stepping out onto crosswalks;
- Dress to be seen - daylight hours are decreasing, so wear brighter colours or reflective material whenever possible;
- Walk on the sidewalk, or if unavailable, walk on the side of the road facing the traffic;
- Walk well lit routes with less traffic;
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
Drivers:
- Plan ahead, leave earlier to allow yourself extra time through School Zones;
- Be alert to children near or around crosswalks and intersections;
- If a vehicle in a different lane slows or stops in front of you, slow down or stop and ensure that no one is on the crosswalk before proceeding;
- Always yield to pedestrians at intersections or designated crosswalks;
- When dropping off children in a school zone, ensure you do so in a safe place where the children can exit onto a side walk. Please don't stop in the travel portion of the road and hurry your children out.
