WATCH ABOVE: As classes are set to begin next week at the majority of Edmonton schools, motorists are being reminded to slow day and be vigilant in school zones. Kendra Slugoski reports.
EDMONTON – Drivers are being reminded to slow down in school zones as classes are set to begin next week across the city.
Edmonton reintroduced a 30 km/h school zone speed limit last year. The speed limit is in effect between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on school days.
“Thirty kilometres per hour is a survival rate of about 95 per cent. At 50 kilometres it drops to 45 per cent, so that 20 kilometres is pretty important,” said Dennis Tetreault, Edmonton Office of Traffic Safety.
READ MORE: Edmonton students calling on drivers to slow down in school zones
However, officials say despite an educational campaign and two-month warning period, 36,168 tickets were issued.
“For all the people that say ‘oh my god I don’t have time, literally 10 seconds is all it’s going to take you to transit the area safely,” said Sgt. David Green, Edmonton Police Service.
READ MORE: New school zone speed limit could save lives: Edmonton Traffic Safety
Police add it’s not just speeding that’s a concern. Parents park illegally and perform illegal U-turns which experts warn can be dangerous because it only takes a moment for a child run in front of a vehicle.
“It’s critically important that motorists and pedestrians start paying extra attention to one another, especially around school zones. The last thing anyone wants to see is a child lying on the ground as a result of an avoidable collision,” said Staff Sgt. Randy Loxterkamp, EPS Specialized Traffic Operation Section.
An advertising campaign near congested school areas across the city will begin in Sept., encouraging motorists to abide by the speed limit.