Keeping the roads safe

Times Reporter  

 

School officially started for a new year on Sept. 2, and that means all school zones in the area are back in effect. The speed limit in Strathmore and Wheatland County school zones is 30 km/h and is in effect from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on school days. 

RCMP will be checking school zones to ensure that drivers remember to slow down and watch for children. The fine for going 50 km/h an hour in a school zone is $177 and that amount increases as the speed increases.

The RCMP would like to also remind people that the alternating flashing yellow or amber lights on a school bus means it is slowing down to stop; drivers are to do the same and are required to stop when the red flashing light are activated, no matter which side of the road you are on. The fine for passing a bus with flashing red lights is $345. 

It’s not just the drivers who need to be paying attention and aware of the students. It is also up to the students themselves to be alert in intersections and always look both ways for danger before stepping into the crosswalk. 

The RCMP recommend that if you are walking to school, always walk on the sidewalk, and make sure to use marked crosswalks if crossing the road is necessary. If there is no sidewalk, then walk on the left side of the street, facing traffic, and stay as far away from the vehicles as possible. 

For those students who do take the bus, wait for it at least 10 steps away from the road. Never run after a bus to try and catch up to it. Remember, if you can’t see the driver, they can’t see you either. 

If you bike, rollerblade or skateboard to school, it’s important to remember to wear your safety gear. It is also a law that youth under the age of 18 must wear a helmet when riding a bike. 

If students, parents and drivers work together we can all ensure the safety of our children this school year.