School is back in session.
It's time for drivers to remember to slow down and stay alert as kids return to school.
A recent press release from ICBC notes that 10 children aged five to 18 are killed and 3,250 injured in 9,060 crashes every year on average in the Lower Mainland. Plan ahead for the school season because the roads will be much busier. Drivers should remember to leave earlier to avoid rushing, stay focused on the road and use extra caution, especially around school zones.
The following are ICBC's tips for drivers, parents and students to help everyone stay safe during the school year.
Tips for drivers When school is back in session, 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. When you're dropping off children in school zones, stop and allow them to exit the car on the side closest to the sidewalk. Never allow a child to cross mid-block.
If a vehicle is stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, they may be yielding to a pedestrian, so be prepared to stop. Always yield to pedestrians, it's the law. Vehicles approaching from both directions must stop for school buses when their lights are flashing.
Before getting into your vehicle, make a habit of walking around your vehicle to make sure no small children are behind it. Always look for pedestrians when you're backing up. Tips for parents and students Remove your headphones and put away your phone or other gadgets when crossing the street. Focus on the road so you can see, hear and respond safely. Make eye contact with drivers, so you both know you see each other.
Kids and adults should memorize and follow the words in the chorus of "Walk 'n' Roll," a song by children's musician Will Stroet: "Wear something bright; look left and look right; wait for the light; make sure you're in the driver's eyesight."
Cross at intersections that have a pedestrian crossing light or a marked crosswalk whenever possible. Even at a crosswalk, be aware of traffic and always make sure that vehicles are stopped before walking.
Dress to be seen. Wear bright or light-coloured clothing. In dark or bad weather, wear reflective material on clothes or accessories. Always walk on the inside edge of the sidewalk so you're further away from traffic. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles and drivers see you.
Be aware of parked vehicles in a parking lot or on the road. A driver may not see you between parked vehicles and you may not see them moving. Before crossing or walking through a parking lot, stop and look left-right-left around parked vehicles. Children should avoid taking shortcuts through parking lots.
