Keeping our kids safe is everyone’s responsibility

Nanaimo

2023-08-31 14:59 PDT

File # 2023

Every year dozens of children across BC are needlessly injured in school zones and playgrounds.Throughout the week of August 28, 2023 to September 1, 2023 private schools in Nanaimo are re-opening, followed with public schools on Tuesday September 5, 2023. What these openings mean is that at any given time of the day there could be hundreds of youth walking to and from schools, said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

To assist with the safety of youth, the Nanaimo RCMP will be doing enhanced patrols and speed checks in school and playground zones, to ensure motorists are complying with the posted speed limit.

The following tips are provided to help keep your children safe when they head off to school.

Parents/Caregivers/Motorists 

•  Motorists, in both directions, MUST stop when a school bus has stopped and the red lights are flashing. Even if the red lights are not flashing and you see children boarding, play it safe. Wait until they are safely onboard and the bus begins to move.
•  When your children are getting out of your vehicle, have them leave through the door closest to the sidewalk.
•  Look both ways- this is the big one! This means to not only look both ways but ensure you make eye contact with the driver of approaching vehicles , and make sure the vehicle is slowing down before you cross the road

Speed zones

• School Zones are 30 km/h from 8 AM to 5 PM during designated school days.
• Designated playgrounds: 30 km/h dawn to dusk, 7 days a week.

Pedestrian safety

•  Cross only at designated intersections
•  Make sure backpacks are fitted properly and not overloaded
•  When riding a bike, dismount and walk across the intersection

Street Smarts

•  Adults-remind your children to NEVER accept a ride with people they don’t know.
•  Set up a safe word to be used when your child is being picked up by someone other than yourself.
•  If a motorist stops to ask your child questions, remind your child never go within 2 arm lengths of the vehicle.
•  Earbuds and intersections don’t mix- head up, look right and left, make eye contact.

We all need to do our part to keep children and our roads safe. If you have any questions about posted speeds or traffic safety, please call our non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
 

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