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A CHILD’S SAFETY IS WORTH MORE THAN 12 SECONDS: SLOW DOWN IN SCHOOL ZONES

For immediate release: September 3, 2014 - 6:00 pm
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As school children return to the classroom this week, the City of Saskatoon is reminding drivers to slow to 30 kilometres per hour in school zones.

“Twelve seconds is all the additional time it takes to drive through a school zone at 30 kilometres per hour instead of 50,” says Jay Magus, Engineering Manager, Transportation. “The speed limit is designed to give drivers time to react and brake in an emergency; those 12 seconds could prevent a collision or fatality.”

The 30 km/h speed limit is in effect 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, September 1 to June 30 including statutory holidays and school breaks.

The penalty for speeding in a school zone is a fine starting at $192 and demerit points. In 2013, 387 drivers were fined for speeding through school zones; there were a total of 95 collisions or incidents in school zones which resulted in 14 injuries.

“Many of us feel rushed on our commutes, particularly in the mornings, but everyone can spare 12 seconds,” says Magus. “It’s important to plan ahead and allow extra time to get where you’re going.”

As well as the reduced speed limit, school zones have the following regulations to ensure the safety of children: 

- U-turns are prohibited (new in 2013)
- Parking is allowed in designated areas only
- Stopping or parking is not allowed in a school bus loading zone 

The City is continuously looking to improve safety in school zones. This year, a new school zone is in place on 20th Street West between Avenue M and Avenue O which is an extension of the existing zone near St. Mary’s Wellness and Education Centre. 

Also new this school year, a pilot project to install flashing lights in school zones on high traffic streets will be expanded to include 33rd Street West adjacent to École Henry Kelsey School. The pilot project began in June with the installation of flashing lights in the school zone on Clarence Avenue.

For more information visit saskatoon.ca.and click on “S” for School Zones.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.