Police are out in full force this week to enforce speed limits around schools in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
Statistics show that during the first week of school, two children in British Columbia will die as a result of injury.
The most frequently reported activity that results in injury or death of a child is crossing at an intersection, followed by running onto the road.
Ridge Meadows RCMP’s traffic section, general duty officers, youth resource officers and Speed Watch volunteers plan to be stationed in and around school areas to enforce traffic rules.
“Parents rushing to drop kids off at their school often speed through other school zones to get there,” said Sgt. Dale Somerville, officer in charge of Ridge Meadows’ traffic section.
“Remember, we are all road users and must share the road responsibly.”
Drivers should also keep in mind that excessive speeding in a school zone (70 km/hr in a 30 km/hr zone) will lead to their vehicle being impounded for seven days, as per the legislation.
Although no tickets for speeding in school zones were handed out Tuesday – the first day of classes – Somerville said his officers ticketed several drivers for using cell phones.
Drivers need to pay attention, especially in school zones, he added.
Police remind parents to always be cognizant of where they drop their kids off.
“Try to ensure it is passenger side to the sidewalk,” said Somerville.
“Do not set your kids up to have cross the road mid-block.”