RCMP warns drivers to follow speed limits as students head back to the classroom

With the start of the school year tomorrow, the Kamloops RCMP is reminding residents that back to school safety is everyone’s responsibility.

School zones are in effect every school day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the posted speed limits are 30km/hr.

Given there will be an increase in pedestrians in neighbourhoods and around schools, police are reminding both motorists and pedestrians to be extra cautious and to focus on the road, according to an RCMP news release.

"It has been more than two months since our children have been at school and as the anticipation grows for them to reunite with their friends, they may be distracted by the excitement," said Cpl. Dana Napier of the Kamloops RCMP Crime Prevention Unit. "So it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure they remain safe."

When encountering a school bus, drivers are reminded that it is illegal for a vehicle to pass a stopped bus from either direction when the red light is flashing.

The red light is a legal stop sign that has the same authority as any other stop sign.

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