Back to school time

Keep our school zones safe - be a textbook driver!

Summary

It's that time of year: the leaves start falling, the sun goes down earlier and children head back to school.

Slow down, respect the speed limits and be prepared to stop for buses and children. Talk to your children about roadway safety and visit ICBC's website for more facts, tips, and resources. Warning: Be alert and watch out for distracted children searching for Pokemon...

ICBC'S Tips for Parents & Students:

  • Map it out. Plan your child's walking route.
  • Set a good example. Never jaywalk or run to cross the street.
  • Look. Make sure all vehicles have stopped and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
  • Listen. Put away the electronic gadgets, so you can hear approaching traffic that may be hard to see.
  • Be seen. Wear bright clothes and/or reflective gear.

ICBC'S Tips for drivers:

  • When you're dropping off your children in school zones, allow them to exit the car on the side closest to the sidewalk. * Never allow a child to cross mid-block.
  • Vehicles approaching from both directions must stop for school buses when their lights are flashing.
  • Always look for pedestrians when you're backing up.

Link to Strategic Plan: Community Wellness & Public Safety

Key Points

  • Every school day, unless otherwise posted, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • As we approach fall, reduced visibility is a reality of the sun going down earlier - stay alert!

Quotes

"The Transportation Group at the City of Nanaimo would like to remind everyone that schools are back in session and school zones are in effect. We encourage all drivers to slow down, set a good example, and help keep our children safe. Be a textbook driver!"

Transportation Planning
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • When entering a School Zone that is a Reduced Speed Zone (30 km/h), you must be travelling at a speed of 30 km/h by the time you pass the posted signs. Only once you have exited the school zone can you increase your travelling speed.
  • Reduced Speed School Zones only exist around elementary schools, but drivers should remain alert and be prepared to stop at all times.
  • There are over 30 schools in the Nanaimo Area.

Images

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Contact:

Annalisa Fipke, P.Eng.
Transportation Planning
City of Nanaimo
250-754-4251

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