Several organizations are reminding B.C. drivers that school zone speeds take effect starting Tuesday, Sept. 5.
Every year, dozens of children across the province are needlessly injured within school zones, according to the Nanaimo RCMP.
Police say they will be keeping youth safe by doing enhanced patrols and speed checks in school zones and playgrounds to make sure drivers are obeying the law.
In Nanaimo, the president of Local 606, Jeff Virtanen, is highlighting the same concerns Mounties have when it comes to the safety of children going back to school.
“We have similar concerns that the RCMP has,” Virtanen told CHEK News.
“Our union puts out radio ads to remind residents and other community members that kids are back in school and speed has always been a concern.”
The BC Teachers’ Federation is also shining a light on teacher shortages as students head back to school, and its president Clint Johnston is worried the shortage will affect the quality of education for students.
“Each student is going to get there and their parents and they are going to wonder is this my teacher for the whole year? Is this someone they found that they pulled from somewhere else who actually has a different job?” said Johnston.
Nanaimo RCMP are also reminding parents to set up a safe word to be used when their child is being picked up by someone other than themselves.
In B.C., all school zones are 30 km/h from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during designated school days. ICBC says those caught speeding face three points and a fine ranging from $196-$253.
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Tchadas Leo
