Now that school is back in session, Olds RCMP will be watching to make sure motorists obey school zone speed limits.
The speed limit in both urban and rural school zones is 30 kilometres per hour (km/h) and is in effect during school days from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. unless the town posts other times.
A vehicle is not permitted to pass another vehicle traveling in the same direction in either school or playground zones during the times that these zones are in effect.
“The greatest danger to passengers is during loading and unloading procedures. The penalty for passing a bus with flashing red lights is $402 and six demerit points,” RCMP say. “Police advise that, as in years past, targeted enforcement will be undertaken in these areas.”
Twice a day every day during the school year, more than 5,500 school buses in Alberta safely transport more than 290,000 children to and from school.
“School buses in Alberta travel an estimated 450,000 kilometres a day – that's more than 10 times around the earth,” RCMP say.
Students are reminded to be predictable when riding their bicycles on streets. Students walking to and from school should cross the streets in a safe and lawful manner. Also, when exiting school buses, students are urged to follow the directions of the driver and to only cross when it's safe to do so.
