Public reminded to slow down in school zones

School zones in Lac La Biche County will be in effect between the hours of 8-9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. each day school is in session. The posted speed limit within school zones is 30 km/hr. 

The rules are similar across the region. 

Chris Clark, director of the Law Enforcement Training Program for Lac La Biche County Protective Services, says community peace officers will be out on patrol during these hours to ensure motorists are obeying the law.  

While most motorists do indeed adhere to the rules, speeding through school zones continues to be a problem.  

“It’s definitely a concern for us, especially those who go 20 to 30 kilometers over the speed limit in a school zone,” Clark told Lakeland This Week.  

While officers can use discretionary powers with regards to the issuing of fines, they do frequently hand out tickets for those drivers caught speeding through school zones.  

“Although electronic signs in school zones that show motorists how fast they’re going have generally served as a deterrent to get them to slow down, some people still disregard the rules,” says Clark. 

Another issue that continues to be a serious concern for law enforcement is drivers who, when approaching a school bus with flashing amber lights and with the stop sign out, fail to stop and instead, keep driving.  

The fine for failing to stop for a school bus with alternately flashing red lamps is $567, while the fine for passing a school bus with alternately flashing red lamps is $486. 

“Despite public awareness and the penalties for doing so, there are many drivers who continue to pass school buses,” Clark says. “Over the last school year, community peace officers caught and ticketed several drivers either passing school buses, speeding, or driving too fast through playground areas. Luckily, there were no collisions in school zones during this period. Again, it’s a reminder of how crucial it is for people to obey the law.” 

RCMP reminds motorists to slow down 

RCMP officers in the region are also putting out a reminder to motorists as the school year begins. The traffic safety focus for the month of September is “Back to School.”

“Drivers should be extra cautious, especially when driving in school and playground zones. These areas can get congested in the morning and mid-afternoon, with children walking, biking, being dropped off or picked up by parents, or getting off and on school buses. Slow down and stay alert to help keep children safe on our roads,” according to information from the St. Paul/Vermilion Traffic Services Unit. 

“Alberta RCMP Traffic is committed to enhancing public safety by reducing harm and hazardous behaviours on Alberta roadways through strategic partnerships, enforcement, education and crime reduction initiatives,” says Cpl. Trevor Schmidt of the Alberta RCMP St. Paul/Vermilion Traffic Services Unit. 

Back to school facts 

· About 6,000 school buses in Alberta safely transport almost 300,000 children to and from school every weekday.  

· Collisions involving school buses are more likely to occur during the morning than later in the day. Nearly half (46.6 per cent) of all collisions involving school buses occurred between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. (2018/19 school year). 

· Almost half (46.1 per cent) of drivers involved in collisions with school buses committed a driver error, the most common was following too closely. 

· 82.0 per cent of casualty collisions and 94.5 per cent of property damage collisions involving a school bus occurred in urban areas.