For some, it is the most wonderful time of the year, the return to school. The first day is going to be even more hectic this year with the return to in-class learning for most students in Cochrane.

With the excitement and rush of the first day, it is important for drivers to remember to pay close attention to the rules of the road in and around the school zones.

Manager of Municipal Enforcement, Frank Borsos says, “I think a big thing that we come into is adults are trying to get the children to school and we are going through the rush of the congestion and just understanding the patience that is required with everybody and also all the other things that need to be focused on.”

To facilitate that focus allow yourself lots of time to get to where you are going so that there is no need to speed.  The speed limit in school zones is 30 kilometres per hour and in the town of Cochrane and the school zones are in effect from 7 am to 9 pm on school days.

Once you arrive at the school Borsos says, “When you are dropping off a child also ensuring that you are dropping off in a designated drop off zone. That you are not stopping in a no parking zone, that you are not blocking a crosswalk.”

Other reminders include:

·       Make sure you come to a complete stop when pedestrians are crossing the street and do not block the crosswalk with your vehicle. Always, make eye contact with the pedestrian and ensure they have cleared the road before proceeding.

·       Pay attention to crossing guards, they are there to keep children safe.

·      Do not count on children to be paying close attention or to understand all the rules of the road. It is up to drivers to keep an eye out for children, especially during school operating hours.

Another important reminder for all drivers on the first day and year-round is awareness of school buses on the roads. Boros says, “Being aware when those flashing lights come on and that the stop arm is going to be coming out and ensuring that we are not passing those school busses when that stop arm is out.” Passing a stopped bus and failure to do so could result in a fine of up to $567 and six demerits.

Last year, Alberta RCMP ticketed a total of 160 motorists for speeding in a school or playground zone. Forty-seven of these offenses occurred in Sept. 2020 alone. According to Alberta Health Services, incidents involving child pedestrians occur most frequently in Sept. and Oct. (2020). and throughout the whole year through.

Drivers can rest assured that both Peace Officers and local RCMP will be out to ensure that the first day of school is safe for everyone and will continue throughout the entire year.