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RCMP in Coquitlam B.C. issue warning to drivers on the first day of school: slow down

File photo. School zone speed limits are back in effect as of Tuesday morning, and police are reminding people to slow down. Julia Wong, Global News

The roads will likely be busy Tuesday morning with students heading back to school all over British Columbia.

Coquitlam RCMP are challenging drivers across the province to slow down.

“School zones are back in effect, often we’ve been ignoring them over the summer when they don’t apply,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin.

He’s urging driver to put the phone away, and slow down.

School zone speed limits are 30km/h from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless otherwise posted.

McLaughlin says children can be unpredictable.

“This September, we’re actually launching an enhanced enforcement program, we are partnering up with ICBC. We’re focusing on distracted driving. There probably will be more tickets issued.”

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“We’re particularly asking parents, challenging parents this year to take that extra step, especially when it comes to distracted driving around school zones,” McLaughlin adds.

ICBC says approximately 370 children are injured in crashes while walking, cycling or skateboarding every year.

It says on average, about 72 children are injured in crashes in school and playground zones in B.C.

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