Although it might be hard to believe, students in Nova Scotia have been back in the classroom for one week. Now that pencils are sharpened, locker combinations are set and homework has been assigned, the Nova Scotia RCMP want to remind motorists about road safety in school zones.

Last week, RCMP officers throughout Nova Scotia followed numerous school buses as they traveled to and from schools and conducted patrols of school zones across the province. Numerous written warnings were issued along with summary offence tickets for motorists who were driving at a speed that exceeded 50km/hr when passing school while children were present and driving at a speed that exceeded the posted speed limit.

‘We want to remind motorists to pay extra attention to children crossing the street, at crosswalks, or getting on or off a school bus as school times vary across the province,’ says Sgt. Al LeBlanc, Nova Scotia RCMP. ‘Throughout the school year we will work with school boards and school bus drivers to identify routes or areas that continue to be an issue so that our enforcement efforts are targeted to where they will make the most difference.’

Sgt. LeBlanc adds ‘We want to also take this opportunity to remind motorists that they need to slow down in school zones and stop for school buses displaying alternating flashing red lights whether they are driving behind the school bus or driving toward it in the opposite lane. Both lanes of traffic must come to a complete stop.’

RCMP members will remain visible in these school zones throughout the province to ensure motorists slow down for the safety of all the children.

Source: Release