Emphasis on pedestrian safety as students return to school

Richmond

2024-09-02 08:49 PDT

With the new school year set to begin, Richmond RCMP is urging all community members to prioritize pedestrian safety. As students return to school, our roads will see increased traffic, including school buses, cyclists, and young pedestrians. The Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit (RSU), alongside our Community Engagement Team and dedicated volunteers, will be actively engaging in enforcement and education initiatives to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

The RSU will be stepping up its presence in school zones across the city to enforce speed limits, distracted driving laws, and pedestrian right-of-way regulations. Officers will be conducting high-visibility patrols and deploying Speed Watch volunteers to remind drivers of the importance of slowing down and staying alert, especially in areas with high foot traffic.

Ensuring the safety of our children as they travel to and from school is a top priority, said Sergeant Eric Baskette of the Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit. We are committed to working closely with our community and partners to enforce road safety laws and educate both drivers and pedestrians on safe practices. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to life-altering consequences.

Partnerships and community outreach

In partnership with ICBC, Richmond RCMP would like to remind drivers that 85% of pedestrian-related crashes in B.C. occur at intersections. We urge all drivers to be extra cautious at crosswalks and intersections, reduce speeds, and refrain from using electronic devices while driving, added Sergeant Baskette.

Richmond RCMP volunteers are also playing a crucial role in promoting road safety. Volunteers are actively engaged in outreach activities, such as Speed Watch, Lock Out Auto Crime, and public education sessions in various neighbourhoods. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about safe driving practices and encourage a culture of road safety among Richmond residents.

Tips for drivers and pedestrians:

For drivers:

• Obey all posted speed limits, especially in school zones.
• Yield to pedestrians at all intersections and crosswalks.
• Avoid distractions such as electronic devices while driving.
• Stop for school buses when lights are flashing.
• Failure to stop for a school bus signal can result in a $368 fine.

For pedestrians:

• Always cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections.
• Look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions, such as mobile devices and headphones, when crossing the road.

Community engagement and reporting

Richmond RCMP encourages residents to document and report unsafe driving behaviours through our non-emergency line at 604-278-1212 or via the Richmond Community Safety App. If you witness a serious incident or an emergency requiring immediate response, call 9-1-1.

As we welcome students back to school, let’s all work together to ensure their safety on our roads.

Released by:

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: richmond.rcmp.ca

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