Lac La Biche County Peace officers want to remind motorists that school is back in session next week and that means school zones are back in effect.
Peace officers will be partnering up with other enforcement agencies, RCMP, Alberta Health Services and Northern Lights Public Schools to conduct educational campaigns starting the first week of school.
School zones are in effect between the hours of 8 – 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 3 – 4:30 p.m. every day school is in session.
Motorists are reminded to slow down to the posted speed limit of 30 km/h. World Health Organization statistics show that the survival rate for pedestrians who are struck by vehicles traveling at 40 km/h or faster is only 40 per cent.
"Reducing your speed to 30 kilometres per hour greatly increases the chance of survival, decreases your reaction time, reduces your stopping distance and increases your ability to anticipate a collision," says Lac La Biche County's manager of Enforcement Services Chris Clark.
School bus rules
As students head back to class there will also be an increased volume of school buses traveling around our communities.
When approaching a school bus with flashing amber lights vehicles must slow down and drivers should be prepared to stop. When a school bus driver activates the vehicle's flashing red lights, all lanes of traffic must come to a stop. These lights allow for children to safely cross roadways. The fine for failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights is $567 and a reduction of six driving demerits.
"Slow down and be attentive around schools and buses to ensure everyone makes it to school safely," says Clark.
Schools in the Lakeland area open their doors to students starting Tuesday, Sept. 1.
