Vancouver Police and ICBC urge drivers to slow down as students return to school

Vancouver Police and ICBC are urging drivers to slow down and remain alert in school zones as students return to classrooms, sidewalks, crosswalks and bike routes across the city.

Officers and volunteers gathered near George Weir Elementary School at Rupert Street and East 44th Avenue during Tuesday morning's rush to promote road safety on the first day of school.

Const. Darren Wong of the Vancouver Police Department asked motorists for patience as they drop children off, travel to work or head elsewhere. Police said drivers should be particularly mindful in school zones, where the posted limit is 30 km/h.

Harvey Kooner, an ICBC road safety and community co-ordinator, said September is one of the most dangerous months of the year for children on B.C. roads, whether they are walking, cycling or travelling in vehicles. Recent data cited during the VPD-ICBC campaign show September crashes involving minors are 37 per cent higher than the monthly average.

Officials urged motorists to slow down, eliminate distractions and pay attention in school zones. Kooner said drivers should leave their phones alone and focus on the road. Police hope the reminder continues beyond the first day of school and throughout the year.