Back to school is just around the corner, which means that drivers have to be aware of changes to school speed zones, more traffic on the roads, and children walking or biking to and from school.
Every year in B.C., three children are killed and 359 children are injured in crashes while walking or riding their bike, with 51 of these injuries taking place in school and playground zones. In the Southern Interior, two children walking or cycling are killed and 33 children are injured in crashes every year, with six of these injuries taking place in school and playground zones.*
Tips for drivers
- 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.
- Watch for school buses. When their lights are flashing, vehicles approaching from both directions must stop.
- 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.
- Avoid distractions by leaving your phone alone while driving and watch for children walking, cycling, or riding a scooter. Distracted and inattentive driving is a leading cause of crashes with pedestrians and cyclists.
- Before getting into your vehicle, walk around it to make sure there are no small children hidden from your view. Always look for pedestrians when backing up.
- You can help pedestrians see you better by making sure that your headlights, brake, and turn indicator lights are clear, visible, and in good working condition at all times.
- In residential areas, look for signs of kids playing such as a nearby ball or hockey net. Slow down and watch for children, as they could run into the street at any moment.
Tips for parents and caregivers
- If you drop off your child in a school zone, they should exit the car on the side closest to the sidewalk. Don’t stop in a no parking or no stopping area or block a crosswalk, as this can prevent drivers from seeing children as they’re walking and put their safety at risk.
- Teach your child to walk on the inside edge of the sidewalk away from the road, so they’re further away from traffic. If there isn’t a sidewalk, they can walk facing oncoming traffic, so they can see approaching vehicles and make eye contact with drivers.
- Teach your child to stay focused on their surroundings while walking, cycling, or riding a scooter, and to listen for traffic and scan for approaching vehicles.
- If your child will be outside at night or in poor weather, make sure they’re wearing bright clothes and reflective gear.
* Crash and injury data are five year averages based on 2018 to 2022 data reported by ICBC. Fatal averages and school/playground zone injury averages are based on 2017 to 2021 police-reported data.
