Tuesday and Wednesday will see law and traffic enforcement officers across Saskatchewan focusing on traffic safety in and around school zones as part of Operation Student Safety.
Police will be on the lookout for motorists speeding in school zones, failing to stop at stop signs, failing to yield to pedestrians and obey crossing guards, as well as failing to properly yield at yield signs or obey school bus signs. As well, the blitz will look for parking in ‘no-parking’ zones.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) president and CEO Andrew Cartmell said, in a prepared media release, school zones often experience heavy traffic and the start of a new school year is a good time to remind motorists to slow down and be attentive to students.
“Young children are more difficult to see than adults, and tend to think vehicles can stop quickly, so it’s important for motorists to pay extra attention in those areas,” he said.
According to SGI (www.sgi.sk.ca), on average there are 40 collisions in school zones each year, resulting in 14 injuries and two fatalities. Last year, there were 37 collisions resulting in 17 injuries, but no fatalities.
Penalties for speeding in school zones include a fine of at least $140 and three demerit points under SGI’s Safe Driver Recognition program.
