New Brunswick students return to class on Tuesday, and that means there will be more traffic on the roads.
Police officers around the province will also be out as they look to keep students and drivers safe.
RCMP Cpl. Hans Ouellette said the speed limit in school zones is now being enforced. Drivers must slow down and comply with school zone speed limits from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on school days.
He advised that traffic in both directions needs to stop when a school bus has its red lights on and drivers should only resume driving after the bus driver has turned off the red lights.
“You think to yourself ‘I have time’ or whatever the situation may be to try and get around this bus. If those lights are flashing, you need to stop,” said Ouellette.
He also said when waiting for the school bus, students should keep a safe distance from the road until the bus has completely stopped and its red lights are flashing.
Students are encouraged to stick to sidewalks and utilize designated crosswalks whenever possible. If there’s no sidewalk available, walk on the left side of the road to keep an eye on oncoming vehicles.
Mounties also ask students to stay vigilant, saying that using headphones or being distracted by texting while walking can increase your risk as it may prevent you from noticing nearby traffic. Always obey traffic signals and wait for the pedestrian signal before crossing.
Ouellette notes the increasing presence of cyclists and stresses that they must also follow the Motor Vehicle Act. He highlights that drivers are required to give cyclists a minimum of one metre of space when passing, in line with the regulations set forth by Ellen’s Law.
“We all have a duty to ensure that our roads are safe, so if we can continue to look out for each other, look out for those kids that are out there, I think we’re gonna have a happy and safe school year,” he added.
Mounties will upload tips on social media for drivers, parents, and students throughout the week.
