Richmond RCMP reminds drivers to slow down as students return to school

As students head back to school this September, Richmond RCMP is reminding drivers and parents to take extra care on the roads.

Richmond roads will be busier this September as many people return from summer holidays and children return to school. Drivers are reminded to allow extra travel time, reduce speed, and avoid distractions by leaving your phone alone while driving. Watch for children and multimodal road users, especially near schools, parks, and residential areas.

According to ICBC data, three children are killed and 402 injured in crashes while walking or cycling in B.C. every year. 50 of those injuries occur in September, making it the highest of any month during the year.

Richmond RCMP officers and volunteers have partnered with ICBC to conduct additional targeted outreach and enforcement this fall around local schools, to ensure safety for all road users. Speed Watch volunteers will be deployed to monitor drivers’ speeds and remind them that school zone speed limits are back in effect.

A 30km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. when school is in session and in playground areas from dawn until dusk, unless otherwise posted.

Drivers are reminded to always yield to pedestrians and stop for school buses when their lights are flashing.