Penticton RCMP and School District 67 are urging drivers to slow down and watch for children as students return to school Sept. 8.
Police said the start of the school year will mean more vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians around schools, particularly during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup periods.
School and playground zones in Penticton have a 30 km/h speed limit around the clock unless otherwise posted, according to the city.
“Back to school means more children walking and riding in our neighbourhoods, and more vehicles moving through school zones,” Const. Kelly Brett of the Penticton RCMP said. “A few extra seconds of patience can make a significant difference. Slow down, put your phone away and pay attention to crosswalks, traffic signs and the people around you. Our goal is simple. We want every student to arrive at school and return home safely.”
Police are asking motorists to use designated drop-off and pickup areas, obey traffic signs and signals and avoid stopping in crosswalks, intersections or travel lanes.
The RCMP and school district are also reminding families that cyclists are generally required to wear helmets under B.C. law.
Electric kick scooter riders must be at least 16 and wear helmets. Provincial rules also prohibit riding electric kick scooters on sidewalks, and the devices can be used only where local governments permit them.
“As we welcome students and staff back for another school year, safety remains a shared responsibility across our entire community,” says Todd Manuel, Superintendent of Schools for School District No. 67. “We encourage families to talk with their children about safe routes to school and remind drivers to slow down and stay alert. Small choices made by each of us help create safer school communities for everyone.”
Penticton RCMP said officers plan to increase patrols around schools as classes resume, with particular attention to speeding, unsafe driving and compliance with traffic-control devices.
Parents are being encouraged to review routes to school with their children and identify safe places to cross roads before the first day of classes.
