| Text Release Date and Time: 2010-09-01 09
September is back to school time and to reflect that, the Selected Traffic
Enforcement Program for the month of September will focus on school zones.
Officers will be monitoring crosswalks and enforcing speed limits within
school zones throughout the City of Medicine Hat. Everyone is reminded that
school zones are in effect from
8:00am - 4:30pm. However, all school zones are also considered playground
zones where 30km/h speed limits are in effect from 8:30am until 1 hour
aftersunset.
In the excitement of returning to school, children may forget basic road
safety rules as they walk, bicycle and ride the bus to school. Throughout the
province, traffic injuries are the leading cause of death and a leading cause
of hospitalization to children younger than 14.
To keep children safe, motorists should do the following:
. Use caution when approaching intersections or mid-block crosswalks. Parked
or stopped vehicles may hide a pedestrian who is crossing the road. The fine
for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk or passing a vehicle
stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross is $575 and four
demerit points.
. Watch for the school safety patrol in their orange vests and stop as
directed. Patrollers play a vital role in directing children safely across the
street.
Back to school also means an increase in school bus traffic throughout the
city. Safety at or near bus stops is also a high priority. Keep the
following in mind:
. Alternating flashing amber lights mean a bus is slowing down to stop. Do the same.
. Motorists should always watch for children crossing the road and be prepared
to slow down or stop.
. Driver courtesy goes a long way. By simply being alert and cautious when
approaching a school bus, you are contributing to school bus safety.
Between September 1st to the 19th, 2010 the Medicine Hat Police Service safety
messaging trailer will be displaying the message "Schools In - Watch
For Children". With your help, we can ensure our children's' return to school
is a safe one.
For more information contact:
Text Release Date and Time: 2010-09-01 09
Sgt Gerald Sadlemyer
Supervisor i/c Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471 |
Office of the Chief
