The return of students to classes isn’t the only changes that mark the start of a new school year.
Police and ICBC are reminding drivers to slow down in school zones now that students are back. Road safety and community coordinator for ICBC, Doug MacDonald was outside of Correlieu Secondary School on Anderson Drive alongside RCMP Highway Patrol Constable Rob Marshall, with a radar and speed board.
“With the return of school, people need to change their driving habits,” MacDonald said. We’re looking at opportunities to raise awareness.”
READ MORE: Quesnel School District superintendent looking forward to “a bit more normal” year
Marshall said Anderson Drive was the perfect spot to run an awareness campaign.
“I get many complaints from locals about speeding on this road, so it’s a good road to educate the public to slow down,” he said. “You go all summer, without having that speed zone, and you just want everyone to be safe.”
MacDonald said pedestrian safety was a shared responsibility, suggesting school-aged pedestrians make sure to use crosswalks, and walk with a friend.
“But as drivers, we need to be really conscious about the fact of what we’re doing,” MacDonald added. “We need to make sure we know where our blind spots are, we need to make sure we’re watching for kids, as they may not see us as vehicles.”
School speed zones are in effect from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
“We’ve checked 150-200 vehicles and all of them have been within the posted speed limit,” Marshall said. “The most important part is just educating the public.”
September is also distracted driving and seatbelt awareness month.
“We’re going to be out there looking for people on their cell phones,” Marshall said. “We’re going to be overt enforcement, but also covert enforcement, so people may not see us when they’re on their cell phones.”
The fine for getting caught on your cell phone while driving is $368.
READ MORE: Distracted driving enforcement getting full police attention on B.C. highways
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