With the new school year beginning, Golden-Field RCMP are reminding residents to slow down and keep student safety top of mind.
Schools in the Rocky Mountain School District will re-open on Wednesday, September 3, with the first day running a full day of classes. Families are encouraged to check their school’s website for exact start and dismissal times.
Drivers are required to obey school zone limits of 30 km/h or less between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, on school days.
“Police urge drivers to be extra cautious and to watch for children walking on or near roadways. Please keep in mind that speeds in playground zones are in effect from dawn until dusk every day,” said Cst. Donna Freeman of the Golden-Field RCMP.
Common offences under the BC Motor Vehicle Act around schools and parks include, but are not limited to:
▪ Speed in school zone or playground zone 1-20 km/h over – $196;
▪ Speed in school zone or playground zone 21-40 km/h over – $253;
▪ Fail to obey school guard or school patrol: $167;
▪ Fail to stop for school bus: $368;
▪ Fail to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk: $167.
Pedestrians – Despite having the right of way, please follow these safety tips:
▪ always see and be seen by motorists;
▪ ensure to look both ways before crossing the road;
▪ make eye contact with all drivers;
▪ wear high visibility colours;
▪ remove earbuds/headphones so you can hear your surroundings; and
▪ Keep your head up and stay off your phone when walking.
If you observe unsafe driving behaviours in playgrounds or school zones, please contact the Golden-Field RCMP non-emergency line at (250) 344-2221 or use the Golden-Field RCMP’s Online Crime Reporting system.
