Date: Thursday, August 31, 2023
Be Alert! School Zones In Effect Starting September 5, 2023
Victoria, BC – Starting next Tuesday, school zones across Greater Victoria are back in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days.
According to the Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) statistics, there are 52 school-aged children injured and two killed every year while walking or cycling to school on Vancouver Island. Distraction is the leading factor for drivers in collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists.
As the start of the school year approaches, we are reminding drivers to be alert for students, families and school staff walking and cycling to and from schools in Victoria and Esquimalt. Here are some tips for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians for staying safe during your commute this school year:
- Slow down and exercise caution in areas where students, families and staff are walking and cycling to school. The faster you go, the longer it takes to stop and the more dangerous a collision can be.
- When dropping children off at school have them exit the car on the side closest to the sidewalk if possible.
- Teach children the basics of crossing the street (stop, look and listen, and make eye contact with drivers before beginning to cross the road).
- Put away electronics like cell phones, headphones and earbuds when driving, walking, and cycling. These devices can reduce situational awareness, making you less likely to be alerted to something or someone around you.
Look for VicPD Speed Watch volunteers and traffic officers educating and enforcing 30km/h speed zones starting this Tuesday at schools in Victoria and Esquimalt.
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We are seeking qualified candidates for both police officer and civilian positions. Thinking about a career in public service? VicPD is an equal-opportunity employer. Join VicPD and help us make Victoria and Esquimalt a safer community together.
