Officers at the Powell River RCMP detachment are reminding drivers that Brooks Secondary School and elementary schools in the region are back in session, which means school zones are now in effect.
The 30-kilometre per hour speed limit in school zones is in effect from 8 am until 5 pm during normal school days, unless otherwise indicated on the road sign. Children returning to school can easily be distracted and not pay attention to vehicles.
“We all want to keep our children safe so please be alert, slow down and stop when required,” stated RCMP staff sergeant Rod Wiebe in a media release earlier this week.
Fines for speeding in a school zone start at $196 and include three demerit points, according to RCMP.
Drivers also need to be aware that school buses will be back on the road. It is illegal to pass a school bus in either direction while its red lights are flashing.
RCMP is also reminding drivers that School District 47 has placed cameras on board its buses, so vehicles that do not stop while students are loading or unloading will be caught on video; that footage is forwarded to RCMP for further investigation.
The fine for not stopping while a school bus has stopped is $368.
In our little part of the world, no destination is that far away. Is another minute or two going to affect your day? Not likely.
Be aware of your surroundings and make sure everyone gets to where they are headed safely, whether they’re on foot, in a vehicle, on a bicycle, or getting on or off a bus.
If you’re in a rush, who’s fault is it?
Life moves fast, so take any opportunity to pause for a moment of zen. That bus will be on its way in no time.
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