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2006 News and Information

As the School Year Begins – Slow Down

30 August 2006

With the school year starting up again on September 5, 2006, the City of Richmond reminds drivers and pedestrians to pay extra attention in observing the following traffic regulations and safety tips, particularly around school zones and playgrounds.

Motorists
All motorists are encouraged to enhance the safety of children and all road users by observing the following traffic safety regulations:

  • The school zone speed limit is 30 km/h from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Drivers must slow down to 30 km/h before entering a school zone
  • Watch for yellow lawn signs reading "Slow Down School Zone" at the school zone boundaries. These signs have been provided to all elementary schools in Richmond by local Autoplan Brokers in partnership with the Richmond School District
  • The playground zone speed limit is 30 km/h from dawn to dusk, seven days a week
  • Do not stop in a "No Stopping" zone for any reason. "No Stopping" zones are designated in areas where a stopped vehicle could obstruct the visibility of other drivers and pedestrians and increase the likelihood of a traffic collision
  • Do not park in a "No Parking" zone. Stopping briefly to drop off or pick up passengers is allowed but waiting in your vehicle or leaving it unattended is not allowed
  • Do not pass other vehicles in a school zone or a school bus with its red flashing lights on
  • Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all crosswalks and intersections regardless of whether a crosswalk has special pavement markings, signs and/or a traffic signal
  • Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians on roadways with no sidewalks.

Pedestrians

  • Use sidewalks when available. On streets with no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
  • Children should be encouraged to use a route to school with sidewalks and marked crosswalks, even if it is a slightly longer walking distance
  • When using a crosswalk, follow these procedures
  • Hold out your hand and arm to indicate your intent to cross the street
  • Look left, right and left again and always make eye contact with drivers of approaching vehicles. Make sure the driver has seen you and has committed to stopping in advance of the crosswalk
  • Make sure all vehicles are stopped before stepping out on the roadway
  • Before you enter each traffic lane, check for on-coming traffic before completing the crossing

By keeping safety as a top priority,  we can all contribute to providing a safe and promising school year for our children.