Schools are back in this week and the Houston RCMP detachment is urging caution on the part of parents, motorists and students when travelling around the community's schools.
Motorists and parents should be particularly aware of pedestrians in and around school zones, adds detachment commander Sergeant Ryan Fillmore.
Fillmore's key points are:
- Slow down. The 30km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8 .a.m to 5 p.m. on school days.
- Leave yourself extra time to get through school zones. Drop off and pick up times can be especially busy and congested.
- Focus on the road by putting away electronic devices and other distractions.
- Be alert for youngsters walking to and from school as you back out of your driveway or leave your parking garage.
- When dropping off or picking up children at school, ensure you do so in a safe place where the children can exit onto a sidewalk.
As for pedestrians in general and especially for students heading to and from school, Fillmore has these key messages:
- Use designated crosswalks and follow crossing signals where available.
- When crossing major roads, make sure that all lanes of traffic have stopped – don’t assume that traffic will stop for you.
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping out onto crosswalks.
- Dress to be seen. Wear bright colours or reflective material whenever possible.
- Always be aware of your surroundings. Remove headphones and put electronic devices away.
Fillmore is also reminding motorists to show patience if encountering a school bus on the road.
"It is illegal for a vehicle to pass a stopped school bus when its red light is flashing," he said. "All vehicles travelling in the same and opposite direction as the bus are required to stop when the bus displays flashing red warning lights."
Failure to stop for a school bus signal can result in a $368 fine.
And as fall approaches it will become darker each morning, something Fillmore said parents and motorists should take into account in and around school areas.
