Average of 3 children per year injured in northern B.C. school zone crashes: ICBC

Terrace RCMP say officers will be increasing their presence in school zones next week to remind drivers that school zone speed limits are back in effect.

With the school year set to begin, police are reminding parents, students and drivers to be cautious in school zones and around playgrounds, according to a Terrace RCMP press release.

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 2, reduced speed limits came back into effect. Unless otherwise marked, school zones are 30 kilometres per hour on school days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Playground zones are 30 kilometres per hour every day from dawn to dusk.

According to ICBC, an average of three children in northern B.C. are injured each year in crashes while inside school or playground zones.

Police are urging drivers to watch for school buses, as vehicles in both directions must stop when the bus lights are flashing. Other reminders include avoiding distractions such as using a phone while driving, slowing down in residential areas, and watching for children who may run into the street.

Parents are encouraged to review safety basics with their children, such as stopping at the edge of the road, looking both ways, ensuring vehicles have stopped before crossing, and making eye contact with drivers. Police note that crosswalks are not intended for cyclists, and that parents or guardians cannot allow children under 16 to operate an electric kick scooter on a road.

Penalties for violations include a $196 fine for speeding less than 21 kilometres per hour over the limit in a school zone, $253 for speeding 21 kilometres per hour or more over the limit, and $368 for failing to stop for a school bus.

"Let's keep our eyes on the road and slow down this school year," said Constable Kelly Cates in the press release. "It's everyone's job to help keep our students safe."