Slow down as students head back to school, police say

Summer is over, which means students across Saskatchewan are heading back to class and police will be looking for speeding drivers in school zones.

The single biggest thing people can do to keep students safe is obey the speed limit, which is 30 km/h unless otherwise posted, said inspector Lee Knelsen, operations officer for Saskatchewan RCMP traffic services.

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“We’re hoping that we can get that message out that, again, speed, speed, speed is our contributing issue,” Knelsen said. “We want to make sure that the public’s aware of that and takes that into account.”

Last year, RCMP officers and Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan issued more than 1,200 tickets and warnings in school zones and around school buses.

Of those, 849 tickets and warnings were for exceeding the speed limit in a school zone.

“That’s a concerning amount of tickets and warnings that are issued,” Knelsen said.

Another 38 tickets and warnings were issued for damaged or obstructed windshields, which can affect a driver’s view of the road and lead to safety concerns. Police also issued 25 tickets and warnings for passing or failing to stop for a school bus with its red lights activated.

Bus safety is especially important in rural areas, where students may be boarding or getting off buses on highways or gravel roads and drivers may be travelling at higher speeds, Knelsen said, adding that motorists should slow down when approaching a school bus, watch for children near the roadway and be prepared to stop when the bus lights are activated.

Officers issued 12 tickets and warnings last year for failing to properly wear a seatbelt while they were enforcing school zones.

Knelsen said there are several things parents, children and drivers should keep in mind as students head back to class.

In addition to slowing down, drivers should remember students may be distracted or excited as they return to school. U-turns are illegal in school zones.

Drivers must stop for buses with their red lights activated and for crossing guards helping children across busy streets.

“Within those crossing zones are pedestrians, children and cyclists,” Knelsen said. “Lots of people use those zones, so we need to be cognizant of that and give them the room and that safety zone for them to cross as well.”

With streets near schools often congested by buses and parents dropping off children, Knelsen said families can reduce the potential risk by parking a block away and letting children walk the rest of the way.

Caregivers should also use designated drop-off areas and avoid double parking, Knelsen added, which is illegal and can block traffic.

In Prince Albert, the city is also encouraging students and families to take the bus as classes resume. Public transit, including Access Transit for those who qualify, will be free on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Public transit runs weekdays starting at 6:45 a.m., with routes throughout the city.

“The free transit day helps students get to school, purchase their passes, and get familiar with their routes,” said Charlene Tebbutt, community mobility co-ordinator for the City of Prince Albert.

Tebbutt said students should print their names on bus passes because transit operators may ask for government-issued photo identification to confirm ownership. Clearly identifying a pass can also help it be returned if it is lost and turned in.

The Prince Albert Police Service also reminded drivers school zones are back in effect and the 30 km/h speed limit applies across the city.

Police chief Patrick Nogier said officers will enforce traffic laws as students return to class.

The city also reminded drivers not to stop in no-parking or no-stopping zones, which are in place to maintain sightlines.

The city has introduced mobile payment options for city-owned parking lots, including downtown and at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Existing payment options, including coins, meter cards and hard-copy permits purchased in person at city hall, remain available.

Knelsen said e-scooters are another growing concern around schools, especially as more young people use them on streets and pathways.

Rules can vary by municipality, but under Saskatchewan regulations, e-scooter riders must be at least 16, wear a helmet, ride alone and follow traffic signs and signals.

Municipalities can decide where e-scooters are permitted, including whether they can be used on roads, sidewalks or pathways.

Knelsen said parents should check their local bylaws and talk to children about safe riding, including staying visible, avoiding distractions and being aware of pedestrians and vehicles.

“There’s a lot of things that we all can do to help keep our children safe on their way to and from school,” he said. “But I would ask that everyone just do one thing. It would be just to slow down in those school zones.”