Kamloops drivers reminded of school zone safety near Ralph Bell Elementary

“In the Southern Interior, there are about 29 people that lose their lives as a result of distracted driving (annually) and we would like to bring these numbers down to zero because these types of collisions are avoidable,” added Ingrid Brakop with ICBC.

The fines for speeding in a school zone start at $193 and three demerit points. The fines for distracted driving climb even higher.

“They are looking at a $368 fine, plus they are going to get four points against their driver’s license. So, it does get very expensive and yes, it’s going to hit you in the pocketbook for sure. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to deter many people,” added Brakop.

Ralph Bell principal Tiffany Hawkins was happy to see the RCMP at her school to ensure the public recognized the new school zone.

“Very grateful, very thankful that we are coming together as a community to gently remind the area that this is a speed zone and we need to respect that we have kids riding bikes, walking and coming off of buses,” stated Hawkins.

School zones are in effect from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday throughout the school year.

“During the beginning of the school year and the start up, what we like to do is come at it from a preventive lens and also an enforcement lens. We like to remind drivers there is school back in season and we need to be aware of the school zones in the areas we are commuting through,” said Napier.

by Michael Reeve

Kamloops drivers reminded of school zone safety near Ralph Bell Elementary

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