As the summer holidays come to an end, thoughts turn to the start of the school year, which is a busy time for parents, children, and motorists. Surrey Police Service (SPS) is sharing practical safety tips and important reminders for the back-to-school season and beyond.  

This year, school will be back in session on Tuesday, September 8^th for most schools. SPS is reminding motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians that school zone areas, residential neighbourhoods, and main roadways will become extremely busy as students and families commute to school. 

SPS’s Road Safety Section (RSS) would like to remind everyone, especially those driving in school zones, to take extra precautions during the back-to-school period, which can span several weeks as everyone adjusts to the increased foot and vehicle traffic. Children are more than twice as likely to be involved in a crash from 8:00 to 9:00 am and from 3:00 to 4:00 pm on school days compared to rest of the day, according to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).

RSS also encourages parents to talk to their children about safety near roadways. Whether it’s their first day of kindergarten or Grade 12, going to school can be an exciting time. It might be tempting to run across the street to see a friend you haven’t seen all summer, but it can also be dangerous on busy streets. In the Lower Mainland, 277 children walking or cycling are injured in crashes every year, as per ICBC. 

This September and throughout the school year, students, cyclists, and drivers can expect to see SPS officers, along with SPS volunteers and ICBC team working to keep school zones safe through education and enforcement. A reminder that every school day, unless otherwise posted, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. In playground zones, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect every day from dawn to dusk.

SPS is providing the following tips to ensure a smooth and safe back-to-school transition:

• Plan ahead– Familiarize yourself with school zones on your routes; be aware of increased vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians in/around school zone areas; and give yourself extra time for your commute. 
• Review the route and plan as a family – Parents and children should review the route to and from school together to determine safety precautions.
• Prepare children – Provide children with important information, including emergency contact numbers, as well as home and school addresses, in case they require assistance during their commute. 
• Be mindful – Drivers should be aware of school zone speed limits; look out for school buses and adhere to bus safety protocols; and be extra cautious as vehicles are dropping off/picking up students near schools.   
• Students should be aware – Whether walking or cycling, students should avoid using headphones/earbuds or looking at smartphones near roadways, especially when crossing streets. Be alert and use marked crossings; look in both directions; make eye contact with drivers; and be cautious in school drop zones. 

Throughout the school year, SPS and ICBC will be partnering with Surrey Schools for events like “Walking Wednesdays,” which highlights alternative modes of transportation for commuting to school other than driving, such as walking or biking. This initiative aims to educate both parents and students on the benefits of traffic reduction and reduced fuel emissions in school zones, and the health and wellness benefits of increased physical activity during the commute to school.    

Road safety is public safety, and everyone plays an important role in keeping our community safe. SPS wishes everyone a safe, healthy, and happy return to school. 

To learn more about SPS’s commitment to road safety, please visit www.surreypolice.ca/trafficsafety