Students are back at school and police around Saskatchewan will be cracking down on driver violations in school zones.
Among the violations police will be looking for during the Saskatchewan Government Insurance’s (SGI) September traffic blitz are speeders.
“Children are among the most vulnerable road users and as a motorist it’s your duty to look out for them,” said Earl Cameron, the executive vice-president of SGI’s auto fund.
“It’s critical to slow down and give the road your full attention in school zones.”
READ MORE: Saskatchewan work zone speeding still an issue, 113 drivers ticketed in July
Police will also be looking for drivers who fail to obey stop or yield signs, those not yielding to pedestrians or failing to obey crossing guards and distracted drivers.
During the September 2015 school zone safety blitz, 640 tickets were handed out for speeding in school zones and 32 tickets were given out for not having children properly restrained.
READ MORE: Over 600 drivers dinged in school zones around Saskatchewan
In 2014, there were 40 collisions in school zones resulting in 15 injuries.
Police will also be looking out for drivers who fail to obey school bus crossing arms and flashing lights.
SGI has recommendations for drivers travelling in or around schools:
- reduce speed to the posted limit and be prepared to stop;
- familiarize yourself with school zone locations and hours of operation. Unless you need to be in a school zone, plan a different route;
- avoid distractions and give the road your full attention;
- expect the unexpected and drive carefully, even if you have the right of way;
- use caution when approaching or manoeuvring around school buses; and
- obey the direction of any signage, traffic control devices or crossing guards.
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