Keeping our kids safe is everyone’s responsibility

Nanaimo

2022-09-01 15:13 PDT

File # 2022

Going back to school is always an exciting time for young children but it can also be hectic and stressful for parents. With that in mind, safety must be paramount to ensure your precious cargo arrives safely at school, said R/Constable Gary O'Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Effective Tuesday, August 30, 2022, private schools in School District 68 have recommenced for the school year, followed by public schools re-opening on Tuesday, September 6th. To assist with the safety of our youth, the Nanaimo RCMP will be doing enhanced patrols and speed checks in school and playground zones throughout Nanaimo. This is to ensure motorists are complying with the posted speed limit.

Every year dozens of children across BC are needlessly injured in school zones and playgrounds. One injured child is too many! The following tips are provided to help keep your children safe when they head off to school.

Parents/Caregivers/Motorists

• Motorists, in both directions, MUST stop when a school bus has stopped and the red lights are flashing. Even if the red lights are not flashing and you see children boarding, play it safe. Wait until they are safely onboard and the bus begins to move
• When your children are getting out of your vehicle, have them leave through the door closest to the sidewalk
• Look both ways- this is the big one! This means to not only look both ways but ensure you make eye contact with the driver of approachingvehicles, and make sure the vehicle is slowing down before you cross the road

Speed zones

• School Zones are 30 km/h from 8 AM to 5 PM during designated school days
• Designated playgrounds: 30 km/h dawn to dusk, 7 days a week

Pedestrian safety 

• Cross only at designated intersections
• Make sure backpacks are fitted properly and not overloaded
• When riding a bike, dismount and walk across the intersection

Street Smarts

• Adults- remind your children to NEVER accept a ride with people they don’t know.
• Set up a safe word to be used when your child is being picked up by someone other than yourself
• If a motorist stops to ask your child questions, remind your child never go within 2 arm lengths of the vehicle
• Earbuds and intersections don’t mix- head up, look right and left, make eye contact

We all need to do our part to keep our students/children safe. If you have any questions about posted speeds or traffic safety, please call our non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
 

Released by

Cst. Gary O'Brien

Email: gary.obrien@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: nanaimo.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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