Posted:
With the start of the school year tomorrow, HRP/RCMP Partners in Policing are asking ask that you do your part to keep streets safe for our students as they head back to school.
Thousands of students will be returning to school which will mean more people and vehicles on our roadways. Motorists are asked to drive with caution and allow for additional time when travelling before, during and after school.
Keep in mind that the speed limit in school zones is reduced to 30 km/h in areas where the approaching limit is 50 km/h, when children are present (outdoors, within 30 metres of the roadway). Where the approaching speed limit is higher than 50 km/h, drivers are required to reduce speed to a maximum of 50 km/h when children are present. By reducing your speed, you’ll have more time to react to the unexpected and avoid a dangerous incident. Slower is safer, as children are sometimes distracted and may forget to watch for cars.
Remember that passing school buses in either direction when the red lights are flashing, regardless of the number of traffic lanes, not only puts people in danger, but is illegal and carries a substantial fine. Please avoid shortcutting in and around school areas if possible. Obey posted signs as well as crossing guards’ directions, watch out for children crossing the street and remember that crosswalks are not always marked. Essentially, every intersection is a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked.
The HRP/RCMP Integrated Traffic Unit will be patrolling school zones throughout Halifax during the month of September to educate motorists and enforce motor vehicle regulations.
Visit halifax.ca/police/BacktoSchoolSafetyTips.php for more Back to School Safety Tips.