ICBC issues back-to-school safety reminders

With students set to return to schools across B.C. in droves in a couple of weeks, people are being urged to take extra care on the roads.

ICBC is reminding drivers that a speed limit of 30 kilometres an hour is in effect in all school zones from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every school day, unless otherwise noted.

If a school bus has its flashing lights on, vehicles in both directions are required to stop. ICBC says it’s important drivers also check around their vehicles before they head off to ensure there are no small children hidden from view. Additionally, you should be aware that other cars may stop in front of or next to you to yield to pedestrians, ICBC adds.

ICBC says, every year on average, 359 children are injured and three are killed in crashes while they’re walking or riding their bikes. When it comes to school and playground zones specifically, the auto insurer says 51 children are hurt every year.

In an effort to keep kids safe, ICBC says it’s invested $1,750,000 over the last five years in school-safety focused projects, such as additions of pedestrian crosswalk signals, raised medians, and speed reader boards.

Drivers can expect to see more children out and about in neighbourhoods as school resumes. ICBC says it’s important to slow down, keep an eye out, and take extra care.