With the new school year approaching, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) has shared important tips for drivers to make sure children get a safe start to the year.
Every year in BC, 359 children are injured in crashes while walking or riding their bike. When school returns, ICBC will be joining Speed Watch volunteers and police at schools throughout the province to closely monitor drivers’ speeds and remind them that school zones speed limits are back in effect.
ICBC has invested $1,750,000 in 134 projects focused on school safety in the last five years. Upgrades include adding pedestrian signals to crosswalks, rapid rectangular flashing beacons, raised medians, pedestrian refuge islands, speed reader boards and speed humps.
The ICBC has offered the following tips for drivers:
- Every school day, unless otherwise posted, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8am to 5pm. 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.
