(File photo/battlefordsNOW)

By Martin Martinson

Safety First

New school year brings reminder to slow down, drive safe in school zones

Sep 4, 2023 | 1:57 PM

With the start of a new school year fast approaching, residents across Saskatchewan are reminded to remain vigilant when driving through school zones this fall.

Tyler McMurchy, the manager of media relations with SGI, said with the general hubbub that always accompanies a new school year, it’s important to be focused and aware when passing through those often densely populated areas.

“It’s an exciting time of year for kids as the school year starts and we’re going to see those school zones be very busy, very active places,” McMurchy said.

“We want drivers to keep that in mind as they drive through the school zones on their morning commute – whether they’re dropping somebody off or just passing through – it’s important to obey those school zone speed limits and pay attention to what the speed limit is and the hours of enforcement so they can avoid one of those expensive speeding tickets and above all else, keep kids safe.”

As an example, in the Battlefords and the majority of the surrounding communities, the school zone speed limit is 30 km/hr, which means just failing to adjust speeds from the standard 50km/hr could land a hefty fine of $310 and three demerit points. This does vary slightly around the province

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While slowing down is one key component to safe school zone driving, McMurchy said another is avoiding distractions as much as possible when behind the wheel.

“Distracted driving continues to be the leading cause of collisions overall on Saskatchewan roads, and those collisions in many cases injure people and on occasion also cause fatalities,” he said.

“It’s very important to remain focused on the road at all times, especially in a school zone where you might encounter excited kids who may not be crossing where they’re supposed to. You may see kids darting out from between parked cars or unloading off a school bus, so it’s very important for drivers to remain focused on the road in addition to reducing their speed.”

For first-time distracted drivers, the ticket is $580 and four demerit points, with those costs in penalties increasing with repeat offenses.

North Battleford CSOs cracking down

A release from the City of North Battleford was sent out notifying residents that Community Safety Officers (CSOs) are stepping up patrols in school zones and reminding citizens to be mindful to slow down to ensure the safety of all.

“With students heading back to school in the city, our Community Safety Officers are going to be heavily patrolling school zone areas to ensure road speeds are kept in check, and to enforce other traffic safety violations like the use of handheld devices and driver compliance with stop signs,” Director of Protective Services with the city, Chief Lindsay Holm said via the release.

Holm added the N.B. Fire Department will also be out in school zones with messaging to remind drivers to slow down.

Something to consider

North Battleford Comprehensive High School’s school zone is 500 meters in length, which means when travelling at the posted 30 km/h speed limit, it should take the driver 60 seconds to pass through. Increasing driving speed to 50km/h through this same zone requires only 36 seconds to travel that same distance – meaning drivers have much less time to react in school zones at increased driving speeds.

Additionally, Transport Canada data indicates that when roads are icy or wet, a driver requires an extra five meters to stop when traveling at 30 km/h. When traveling at 50 km/h, the same driver would need 10 extra meters to stop.

If any unsafe driving behavior is observed, the public is encouraged to make a formal complaint to either CSO personnel at 306-445-1775 or the Battlefords RCMP at 306-446-1720.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1