County of Wetaskiwin Peace Officers would like to remind motorists that school is back in session this week. That means school zones are back in effect.
School zones are in effect between the hours of 8:00 am – 9:30 am, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm and 3:00 – 4:30 pm each day that school is in session in the County of Wetaskiwin. School zone times in the City of Wetaskiwin is 7:30 am – 9:00 pm anytime. Motorists are reminded to slow down to the posted speed limit of 30 km/hr.
World Health Organization statistics show that the survival rate for pedestrians who are struck by vehicles traveling at 40 km/h or faster is only 40%. Reducing your speed to 30 km/h greatly improves the survival rate, reducing your stopping distance and increasing your ability to anticipate a collision before it happens.
As students head back to class there will also be an increased volume of school buses traveling around our communities. When approaching a school bus with flashing amber lights, drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop. When a school bus activates its flashing red lights, all lanes of traffic must come to a stop. These lights allow for children to safely cross roadways. The fine for failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights is $567 and 6 demerits.
Please slow down and be attentive around schools and buses to ensure everyone makes it to school safely.
Also watch out for our Peace Officers conducting pro-active check stops to educate drivers and hand out some informational flyers in various areas within the County.