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Back to school: Kelowna RCMP warns drivers to slow down

From 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days, speed limits are 30 km/h in school zones
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Motorists are reminder to obey school speed zone signs as classes return. (Photo by Don Bodger) Kelowna RCMP Constable Mike Della-Paolera engages with some kids ahead of the first day of school at Springvalley Elementary on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. (Jordy Cunningham/Capital News)

Schools around the Central Okanagan are ready to open back up on Tuesday, Sept. 5 and the Kelowna RCMP is reminding the public to be aware.

Thousands of kids will be heading back to school and drivers need to be aware that school zone speed limits of 30 km/h are back in effect. This is in effect on school days from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless posted otherwise and also is implied in playground zones from dawn until dusk every day.

The Kelowna RCMP is asking drivers to remember the following:

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Slow down;

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Beware of school zones;

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Watch for pedestrians (small children may not understand the rules yet);

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Focus on the road by putting away electronic devices and other distractions;

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ When dropping off or picking up children at school, ensure you do so in a safe place where the children can exit onto a sidewalk;

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Know the school bus laws. Red flashing lights and a stop sign arm extended indicate children are preparing to load or unload from the bus and require you to stop from either direction. Failing to stop for a school bus signal can result in a $368 fine;

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Students and parents walking to school should always use designated crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Remove headphones and earbuds to remain aware of your surroundings on the road.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Plan a safe route to school.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Cross at designated crosswalks and use available traffic signals.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Establish a pickup plan.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Walk with a parent or buddy if possible.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Pay attention to your surroundings.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ For more information on alternative transportation options in Kelowna, visit .

As the school year starts, drivers can expect to see the RCMP, BC Highway Patrol, and Kelowna Municipal Traffic Services in and around school zones over the next week and as the school years goes on.

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jordy.cunningham@kelownacapnews.com

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Jordy Cunningham

About the Author: Jordy Cunningham

Hailing from Ladner, B.C., I have been passionate about sports, especially baseball, since I was young. In 2018, I graduated from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops with a Bachelor of Journalism degree
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