Has it already been 6 months since students started staying home from school due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic? Starting Tuesday September 8th school zone speed and safety enforcement will begin again and the Grand Forks RCMP have reminders for students, drivers and guardians of their responsibilities to keep everyone safe.
This year’s return to school will be different from all others, with many schools and school districts having varying start and end times. Drivers will have to be extra vigilant when travelling in school zones, as students may be picked up or dropped off at unconventional times depending on the school’s efforts to limits students in class rooms.
Drivers should be extra careful when approaching crosswalks as students may be distracted by putting on masks, and may not be as careful when crossing at crosswalks, or designated areas. Pedestrians should always stay alert when crossing streets and watch for traffic even if you have the right of way!
It’s a great idea to wear brightly coloured clothing or put reflective decals on bags & backpacks, especially once it starts to get dark earlier. Being seen as early as possible by a driver can allow them time to slow down and allow you to cross safely.
The Grand Forks RCMP wishes all students, staff, parents and guardians a safe and healthy 2020-2021 school year!
***Press Release by Sgt. Darryl Peppler, RCMP Detachment Commander, Grand Forks – Kootenay Boundary Regional Detachment***