As kids prepare to return to school next week, motorists are being reminded to be alert.
When the days shorten and the weather gets wetter, ensuring everyone’s safety on the commute to school and especially in school zones is paramount, said Antonia Reynolds, active transportation coordinator with the City of New Westminster.
According to the City of New Westminster, with schools reopening after Labour Day, drivers should expect school zones to be busy, allow more time to travel through them and watch out for less safety-conscious drivers around schools.
A press release from the city includes some general driving tips for motorists to consider:
*Don’t turn around in a driveway, or back onto a roadway for any reason, as it’s dangerous for pedestrians and other vehicles.
*Don’t park or stop in disabled parking spaces.
*Obey posted speed limits (the school zone speed limit is 30 kilometres per hour).
*Park thoughtfully, in legal designated spots and fully pulled up to the curb.
*Make even one less car trip to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
We've put together some helpful school zone safety tips to help keep everyone safe during the school year, brought to you by @NewWestPD and Parking Services. https://t.co/ps9IObfsB6 #newwest #backtoschool
— New_Westminster (@New_Westminster) August 26, 2019
The City of New Westminster is also offering some tips for parents to help ensure kids are safe getting to and from school:
*Walk or bike: Studies show that walking and biking to school give kids a big boost in alertness and readiness to learn once they are in class. They learn to be more street-wise, and walking and biking are fun, especially with friends.
*Carpool or walkpool with friends or neighbours: Share the responsibility of driving or walking all week by teaming up with friends or neighbours. It’s a sociable way to start the day, and reduces congestion on the roads.
*Drop off kids several blocks from school. Kids will get a bit of exercise and it eases traffic congestion near the school.
*Have your older kids use transit. They will learn skills in time management and navigation. You can go to www.translink.ca to plan your route.
*Get involved. Consider joining other parents on the PAC at your child’s school, to help promote school zone safety, walking and road sense in your school community
The New Westminster Police Department's traffic unit is also stressing the rules in drop-off zones outside schools.
"The drop off zone ... works great if it’s used correctly,” said Sgt. Greg Smith. “Just like the airport, drivers can pull up to the drop off zone to stop, only briefly, to let your kids out of the car and then drive away. Remember that parking is not permitted in the drop off zones. Do not use the drop off zone if you need to exit your car of wait for your kids. This area is meant for only stopping momentarily, to keep traffic flowing in front of the school.”
Those walking to school can find maps prepared by the city indicating the safest routes to school on the city's website.
For more information, visit the city and school district websites at www.newwestcity.ca and www.newwestschools.ca.
