It’s mid-September, the days are getting shorter, the air is getting cooler and the hockey rink is full again. This means that it is time to remind all motorists that children and young adults have headed back to school.
For the past two weeks, Oceanside RCMP and Oceanside Community Safety Volunteers (Speed Watch) have been out in all school zones reminding the public to slow down.
This week, more than 100 violators have been found speeding (many at more than double the speed limit) through Oceanside school zones.
READ MORE: RCMP: Intruder grabs gun cases then flees from Whiskey Creek home
“This is simply not acceptable. Please slow down and keep our children safe,” said Oceanside RCMP Cpl. Jesse Foreman in a release.
In the first week, RCMP issued mostly warnings to remind motorists that school is back in session.
“Unfortunately patience is running thin as many motorists are not getting the hint,” said Foreman.
According to ICBC statistics, every year across the Province, 380 children are injured and six are killed while walking or cycling. This includes 86 who were injured in playground and school zones.
READ MORE: Boy, 13, uses GoPro to help Revelstoke RCMP solve 27-year-old cold case
“Back to school-zone math is simple - speed greater than 30 km/h in a school-zone equals a fine of $196 at minimum,”said Foreman.
Every year there are children that are walking or riding their bikes to school for the first time. They are finding their route and routine and need extra time and room while they get comfortable in their journey.
RCMP also notes that children will be harder to spot in the mornings and afternoons as the daylight patterns change.
- NEWS Staff, submitted