School safety after the holidays
Pictou District RCMP, in conjunction with the Province of Nova Scotia, will continue to focus on road safety throughout 2020.
This month, we will focus on back to school road safety, following the holidays.
RCMP urge drivers to practise the following back-toschool season tips to set a good example for traffic safety.
All road users: It is imperative that you are aware of your surroundings at all times to focus on the road and take appropriate actions to avoid a potential collision.
Students: Only cross at designated crosswalks and controlled intersections; make eye contact with drivers and ensure vehicles have come to a complete stop before crossing; stay on the sidewalk when walking to and from school; and stay at a safe distance from the street when waiting for transit.
Parents: Ensure that your children know the safest route to and from school; if you’re picking them up, park where it’s safe to do so.
Drivers: Pay attention to road signage, know the speed limit and whether you’re entering a school or playground zone; keep an eye out for children, especially during school operating hours; and stop when a school bus is flashing its alternating red lights.
Different school zones have different speed limits. If the speed limit is 50 kilometres per hour, motorists must slow to a maximum of 30 km/h when children are present. If the speed limit is higher than 50 km/h, motorists must slow to a maximum of 50 km/h 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-offence fine of $352.50 and two points on a driver’s licence for travelling 1 to 15 km/h over the speed limit; $467.50, three points on a driver’s licence and a seven-day license suspension for travelling 16 to 30 km/h over the speed limit; $697.50, four points on a driver’s licence and a seven-day licence 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 stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing can result in a first offense fine of $410.
Drivers must also drive with caution when passing a school bus with flashing amber lights. Failing to do so can mean a first offense fine of $295.
Students can help keep themselves safe around school buses by walking 10 feet in front of the bus and waiting until the driver says it is safe to cross the street.
Both drivers and pedestrians should approach crosswalks cautiously. Drivers should treat all intersections as implied crosswalks, especially in busy areas. At intersections with a crossing guard, drivers should wait until the guard says it’s safe to cross.