RCMP says practice safety for long weekend and new school year

Sep 1, 2018 | 8:19 AM

School is about to get underway and the RCMP are warning people to keep safety in mind.

RCMP Cpl. Richard Nowak says drivers need to prepare for busier streets.

“We want motorists to be aware that pedestrian activity is going to increase along with school buses. We want to make everyone cognizant that school zone speed limits are coming into effect.”

It is encouraged that children use crosswalks and sidewalks as well as wear brightly coloured clothing if they are getting to school on foot. Nowak explains that parents and children can work together on learning tips like making sure they make eye contact with motorists.

He adds that with the last long weekend of summer, people will be heading outdoors and traffic will increase across the province including on the highways.

According to an RCMP media release, there were nearly 400 vehicle collisions with four fatalities over the labour day long weekend in Alberta last year. There were also 47 injuries.

Nowak says one in five collisions is a result of speeding while one in three is the result of alcohol or drugs.

w/ files from Brady Ratzlaff

by Justine Kelsie