School Zones
Question:
When are school zones in effect?
Answer:
It is important to remember when school zones are in effect – school zone speed limits are in effect 8am to 5pm on school days. This means that weekends and holidays, including summer and winter vacation, the speed limit is not in effect and you can travel the regular posted speed limit through the school zone. If you are not sure if school is in session, always be safe and slow down!
If you are driving through a school zone at a time the lower speed limit is not in effect but there are children around, use common sense and SLOW DOWN!
Question:
What do I need to remember when travelling through a school zone with a posted speed limit?
Answer:
Always remember that the school zone starts at the school zone sign. Prepare yourself to be travelling at the 30 km/hr speed limit BY THE SIGN, don’t start slowing down at the sign, you have entered the school zone when you reach the sign!!
As you are travelling through a school zone, there are four things to be looking for:
- Children – always stay alert and look out for children!
- Your speed – ensure you do not speed up past the speed limit while travelling through the school zone, glance at your speedometer occasionally as needed.
- Parents and children entering and exiting vehicles – if you are travelling through a school zone at the beginning or end of a school day, be very aware of car doors opening in to your lane of travel. Parents and children will be entering and exiting vehicles that are often on the side of the road directly next to your lane of travel and someone may not realize a car is approaching before opening the door.
- The back of the school zone sign on the other side of the road – this signals the end of the school zone and indicates that you can resume your speed to the posted speed limit prior to entering the school zone. Use common sense when resuming your speed, if there are many children still around, it is always safest to continue at a reduced speed!!
Some school zones are now using a posted speed limit along with a flashing amber light to alert drivers to a lower speed limit. When approaching these school zones, always use caution even if the amber lights are not flashing and be sure to obey the flashing amber lights and slow down to the posted speed, even if it is outside the regular 8am to 5pm times.
Question:
What if there is no 30 km/hr speed limit under the school zone sign?
Answer:
If the school zone sign does not have a 30 km/hr posted speed limit underneath the sign, be cautious and use common sense. If there are children in the area, slow down to 30 km/hr as you would in a speed regulated school zone. If no children are around, stay alert, be aware of any children in the area, and slow down as needed.
Always use your common sense and when in doubt, SLOW DOWN!!