School zone safety

Beginning Wednesday, September 4th schools throughout Salmon Arm resume after summer break. Salmon Arm RCMP will be doing patrols and speed checks in school and playground zones throughout the city. In Salmon Arm, the school zone speed limit is 30km/h from 7:00am to 5:00pm on school days.

The start of the year is the perfect time for reviewing and practicing pedestrian road safety strategies for the entire family.

Pedestrians

• Use designated crosswalks and follow crossing signals where available.
• When crossing major roads, make sure that all lanes of traffic have stopped – do not assume that traffic will stop for you.
• Make eye contact with drivers before stepping out onto crosswalks.
• Dress to be seen. Wear bright colours or reflective material whenever possible.
• Always be aware of your surroundings. Remove headphones and put electronic devices away.

Drivers

• Slow down. School zones are 30km/h speed zones from 7:00am to 5:00pm on school days.
• Leave yourself extra time to get through school zones. Drop off and pick up times can be especially busy and congested.
• Focus on the road by putting electronic devices and other distractions out of reach.
• Be alert for youngsters walking to and from school as you back out of your driveway or leave your garage.
• When dropping off or picking up children at school, ensure you do so in a safe place where the children can exit onto a sidewalk.

School Bus Safety: Did You Know?

• It is illegal for a vehicle to pass a stopped school bus with its red light flashing.
• All vehicles travelling in the same and opposite direction as the bus are required to stop when the bus displays flashing red warning lights and extends the stop signal arm.
• Failure to stop for a school bus signal can result in a $368 fine.

More Resources for Parents and Youth

Online Safety

Drugs and Alcohol

Youth crime prevention

Impacts and consequences of bullying and cyberbullying

Picture: School zone sign 30km/h 7am - 5pm school days.