B.C.’s Minister of Education and Child Care was on hand for the first day of school at Delview Secondary in North Delta Tuesday morning for an important reminder about road safety.
Joined by representatives from the school district, Delta Police Department and ICBC, Rachna Singh stressed the importance of slowing down in school zones, as well as raising awareness on safety tips for students walking or biking to school.
“This school year, as roads begin to get busier with cars, buses, cyclists and other modes of transportation, we ask everyone to be extra careful in their commute,” said Singh. “The transition for students going back to school can be a lot, especially for students attending school for the very first time, and we all have a responsibility to keep them safe. There’s never been a more important time for drivers to slow down and pay attention.”
Noting excessive speeds, distracted driving and passing school buses are dangerous driving behaviours that can result in major consequences, Singh went over some road safety tips including drivers giving themselves extra time to get to their destinations and remembering the speed limit at school zones and playgrounds.
“Please, watch for pedestrians. There will be more children and families walking, cycling and scooting in your communities now,” she added. “Lastly, please remember to keep your distance and watch for school buses…by following the guidance of our local police departments and ICBC, we can create a safer environment for everyone.”
School Board chair Val Windsor also talked about the importance of slowing down, paying attention to one’s surroundings and being alert to the presence of young learners now that school zone speed limits are in effect.
Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord said there is a collective responsibility for safety as back to school gets underway, adding that kids can be vulnerable in that they can get distracted, so drivers need to act with the utmost caution around them.
He also described “the sacred grounds of school zones” being not just a stretch of road with a different speed limit, but a place where children are promised their safety is paramount.
“When we speed, when we park recklessly and when we ignore flashing yellow lights, we don’t just break a traffic rule, we break that promise. This merely isn’t adhering to a limit but understanding the responsibility that comes with it in these zones. Every single action counts,” he said.
Dubord also warned of “the deadly allure of distractions” including having a quick glance on a phone.
Providing road safety tips for students, parents and motorists, ICBC notes that in B.C. every year, on average, three children are killed and 359 are injured in crashes while walking or cycling every year. In school and playground zones, 51 children are injured in crashes every year.
Every school day, unless otherwise posted, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In playground zones, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect every day from dawn to dusk.
Distracted and inattentive driving is also one of the leading causes of crashes with pedestrians and cyclists. Children should also remember to put away electronic gadgets, cellphone and ear buds while walking or cycling so they can scan for approaching vehicles or hear traffic.
