ICBC asking drivers, parents to keep kids safe as school returns

Photo: ICBC

NEXT week, children and adults return to school and work which creates congestion on our roads. ICBC is asking drivers to leave extra travel time, stay focused on the road and watch for children especially around school zones.

Every year, 380 children are injured in crashes while walking or cycling and five are killed throughout the province.

Police and Speed Watch volunteers will be closely monitoring drivers’ speeds in school zones to help children get a safe start to the school year.

Parents are encouraged to review ICBC’s tip sheet with their children and go over their daily route to and from school with them.

ICBC’s tips for drivers:

  • If you drop off your child in a school zone, allow them to exit the car on the side closest to the sidewalk. Never allow a child to cross mid-block.
  • If a vehicle’s stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, they may be yielding to a pedestrian, so proceed with caution and be prepared to stop.
  • Watch for school buses and when their lights are flashing, vehicles approaching from both directions must stop.
  • Before getting into your vehicle, walk around it to make sure no small children are hidden from your view. Always look for pedestrians when you’re backing up.
  • In residential areas, a hockey net or ball can mean that kids are playing nearby. Watch for children as they could dash into the street at any moment.
  • Remember that every school day, unless otherwise posted, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In playground zones, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect every day from dawn to dusk.

ICBC provides free road safety educational materials to B.C. schools to help students from kindergarten to grade 10 learn about road safety topics unique to their grade level using fun and interactive activities.

Statistics:

  • In the Lower Mainland, 300 children walking or cycling are involved in crashes every year.
  • In Vancouver, 61 children walking or cycling are involved in crashes every year.
  • On Vancouver Island, 65 children walking or cycling are involved in crashes every year.
  • In Victoria, 12 children walking or cycling are involved in crashes every year.
  • In the Southern Interior, 49 children walking or cycling are involved in crashes every year.
  • In Kelowna, 17 children walking or cycling are involved in crashes every year.
  • In North Central B.C., 16 children walking or cycling are involved in crashes every year.