By Adam Berls

back to school

ICBC sharing safety tips as kids head back to school

Aug 30, 2023 | 12:54 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — As kids return to school soon, ICBC is sharing important tips for drivers, parents and caregivers to help children get a safe start to the school year.

Every month in BC, 30 children are injured in crashes while walking or riding their bike. Police and Speed Watch volunteers will be closely monitoring drivers’ speeds in school zones. ICBC says they have invested 1.25 million dollars in 101 projects focused on school safety since 2016, and in 2022 alone, 27 projects were completed. Upgrades include adding pedestrian signals to crosswalk, rapid rectangular flashing beacons, raised medians, pedestrian refuge islands, speed reader boards and speed humps.

Some tips for drivers include:

• A 30 km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., every school day unless otherwise posted
• In playground zones, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect every day from dawn to dusk
• If a vehicle stops 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. When their lights are flashing, vehicles approaching from both directions must stop

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ICBC also has some tips for parents and caregivers:

• If your child walks to school, practice their route with them ahead of time. Review street names and landmarks to orient them.
• If you drop your child in a school zone, they should exit the car on the side closest to the sidewalk
• If your child will be outside at night or in poor weather, make sure they’re wearing bright clothes and reflective gear

In North Central B.C., 12 children are injured in crashes while walking or cycling every year. In school and playground zones, three children are injured in crashes every year. In Prince George, four children are injured in crashes while walking or cycling every year.

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Twitter: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com