ICBC warns drivers to slow down as school zones begin Tuesday

The first day of the new school year may mean excitement for parents and many children, but it may make some drivers nervous as the rules of the road change for the fall.

In most cities around the Lower Mainland, the speed limit in a school zone is 30 km/h from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 30 km/h from dawn to dusk in playground zones.

“I do know some municipalities have actually decreased the speed from 30 km/h to even lower and they’ve also extended the timeframe for that speed to be in operation,” explained Shabnem Afzal, director of road safety, policy, and programs at ICBC. “I would just remind drivers to really look for the signs and understand what the rules are in your particular jurisdiction.”

Afzal adds whether it’s time to drop off or pick up, give yourself lots of extra time because the roads are very busy, and if you get caught speeding, it could set you back more than $250 and three penalty points.

ICBC ticket cost outline. (Courtesy ICBC)

With the days also getting much shorter, driving in a school or playground zone really needs all of your attention, warns Afzal.

“Sadly, we lose three children every single year in crashes while walking or cycling and 359 children are injured while they’re walking or cycling, every year in B.C. That’s the average,” says Afzal.

“These numbers are children, they’re not just statistics. They’re children in our families. Children in our communities and we really need to do better, in terms of taking care of them.”

She goes on to say dozens of those 359 children who are hurt are injured in and around school and playground zones. “So, even where it’s clearly marked, in terms of the speed limits, we’re still having quite a large number of injuries occurring. Keep in mind, children may not always follow the rules of the road.”

Afzal says it’s on parents and caregivers to go over any rules with children to ensure they know what to do.

Related Articles:

• ICBC shares tips to keep kids safe when going back to school

• Speed limits reduced at 9 Vancouver elementary schools Monday

• School zones begin Tuesday across Lower Mainland

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Rules aside, Tuesday is a very exciting day for kids and their parents all across the region.

William is going into Grade 2 and tells CityNews he’s looking forward to being back in class. “I’ll get to see my friends again. See my friend, George.”

William’s mother is also happy he’s going back. “William is very busy with lots of activities and going back to school, it’s going to be a little bit of a relief actually, not having to keep him busy all the time.”

Sawyer is starting Grade 3 this year. “I mean, the only thing I like in school is math. So, I’m looking forward to that.”

He also admits he needs more time off. “I’m not really ready. I just wanted to enjoy more fun, and summer is, like, two or three months. I need five months.”

His father says he’s excited for Sawyer to get back into the routine. “As much as he likes the summer, it does get boring for him during the day trying to find something to do at his age. So, I think it’s good for him to get back in there and meet new people.”

Sylvia is going into Grade 4 and shares that she’s excited to see some of her friends. “I’m a little nervous [because] I’m getting a new teacher. I’m also a little bit excited for the start of school [be]cause it means new year, new start.”

-With files from Robyn Crawford and Kevin Misener