With the new school year upon us, it is important to remind both drivers and pedestrians to keep traffic safety in mind and remain alert during their commutes.
Here are some tips for drivers, pedestrians, and parents and caregivers from ICBC to make travelling to and from school safe for everyone.
Drivers
Stick to the speed limit
A 30 km/hr speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every school day, unless otherwise posted. In playground zones, a 30 km/hr speed limit is in effect every day from dawn to dusk.
Watch for school buses
When their lights are flashing, vehicles approaching from both directions must stop.
Proceed with caution
If a vehicle stops in front of you or in the adjacent lane, it may be yielding to a pedestrian. Be alert and ready to stop as you approach.
Stay focused: avoid distractions and watch for kids
Leave your phone alone while driving and stay alert for children walking, cycling or riding scooters. Distraction is the leading factor for drivers in crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists.
Check for hidden children before driving
Before entering your vehicle, walk around it to ensure no small children are hidden from your view. Always look for pedestrians when backing up.
Keep your vehicle's lights in top condition
Ensure headlights, brake lights, and turn indicators are clear, visible and functioning properly. This helps pedestrians see you better and enhances overall road safety.
Watch for kids playing in residential areas
In residential neighborhoods, be on the lookout for signs of children playing, like a ball or a hockey net. Slow down and be alert as kids could unexpectedly run into the street at any time.
Pedestrians
Cross only at marked or controlled crosswalks
Always cross at marked crosswalks or where a crossing guard is present. Never jaywalk or cross when it isn’t your turn. If your school has a crossing guard, follow their instructions before crossing — they will make sure it’s safe before guiding you across.
Stop and look
Before stepping onto the road, stop at the curb or edge of the road. Look left and right for oncoming vehicles, and then look left over your shoulder for vehicles that might be turning. Ensure all vehicles have stopped before crossing.
Make eye contact with drivers
Before crossing, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you and are slowing down to stop, even if the walk signal is on. Once the intersection is clear, start crossing and keep looking for approaching vehicles.
Walk safely
Walk on the inside edge of the sidewalk, away from the road to reduce the risk of accidents. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic to better see approaching vehicles and make eye contact with drivers.
Double-check lights and signals
Ensure that traffic lights and signals are operational and haven’t timed out before crossing.
Stay alert
Always be aware of your surroundings, whether walking, cycling or riding a scooter. Listen for traffic and scan for approaching vehicles.
Dress for visibility
Wear bright clothing and reflective gear if you will be outside at night or in poor weather conditions to enhance your visibility to drivers.
Parents and Caregivers
Let your child enter and exit closest to the sidewalk
Drop off and pick up your child on the side closest to the sidewalk. Avoid stopping in no-parking or no-stopping zones, and never block a crosswalk, as this can prevent drivers from seeing children as they walk and put their safety at risk.
Model good behavior
Be a role model by crossing at intersections with pedestrian crossing lights or marked crosswalks whenever possible. Avoid taking shortcuts through parking lots or around parked cars, where it’s harder for drivers to see small children.