Eyes on the road
Drivers reminded to be careful as school resumes
Drivers are being reminded to take extra care as students head back to class this week.
Students under the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial went back to classes Wednesday, while the rest of the province’s public school students return today. As students settle into their September routines, drivers are reminded to be careful in school zones.
In an effort to help protect kids heading back to school, Nova Scotia RCMP have offered motorists a cheat sheet to refresh their traffic safety knowledge.
Different school zones have different speed limits. If the speed limit is 50 kilometres per hour, motorists must slow to a maximum of 30 kilometres when children are present. If the speed limit is higher than 50 kilometers per hour, motorists must slow to a maximum of 50 kilometres in school zones when children are present. During school hours, motorists must lower their speed and assume children are present.
On weekends, evenings and holidays, motorists may drive the posted speed limit unless there are children near the school zone.
Speeding in a school zone can mean a first offense fine of $352.50 and two points on a driver’s licence for travelling 1-15 km/h over the speed limit; $467.50, three points on a driver’s licence and a sevenday licence suspension for travelling 16-30 km/h over
the speed limit; $697.50, four points on a driver’s licence and a seven-day license suspension for travelling 31 or more km/h over the speed limit.
Drivers must stop when they approach a school bus that has its red lights flashing and stay stopped until the lights turn off. Failing to do so can mean a first offense fine of $410.