In the (school) zone: focus on driving safely this September

**** RCMP Media Release

In the (school) zone: focus on driving safely this September

With school just around the corner, students, educators, parents and guardians are sharpening their pencils and packing their lunches for the first day back. Roads are about to get busier – especially around schools – so it’s essential for all motorists to zone in on safe driving habits. ​

Did you know that different school zones have different speed limits? If the posted speed limit is​ 50​ km/h, motorists must slow to a maximum of​ 30​ km/h when children are present. If the posted limit is higher than​ 50​ km/h, motorists must slow to a maximum of​ 50​ km/h in school zones when children are present. During school hours, motorists must lower their speed and assume children are present. On weekends, evenings and holidays, motorists may drive the posted speed limit unless there are children near the school zone.

Speeding in a school zone can mean a first offense fine of:

• $352.50​ and two points on a driver’s license for travelling​ 1-15​ km/h over the speed limit.
• $467.50, three points on a driver’s license and a 7-day license suspension for travelling​ 16-30​ km/h over the speed limit.
• $697.50, four points on a driver’s license and a​ 7-day license suspension for travelling​ 31​ or more km/h over the speed limit.

More ways to get in the (safe driving) zone:

• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Don’t zone out. Stay focused on the road ahead and be aware of what is happening around you.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Slow down and be extra careful in school zones.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Always stop for school buses.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Always drive sober.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Be courteous at school pick-up and drop-off times. Try not to block other cars or fire lanes.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Approach crosswalks with caution and remember that pedestrians have the right of way.​

For more tips on how to zone in on safe driving habits, follow RCMPNS on Facebook and Twitter as we’ll be sharing school zone safety information throughout the month of September.

Everyone has an important role to play in helping kids, educators, parents and guardians stay safe as they head to school. Get in the zone and focus on driving safely this September.