Lethbridge Police Service reminds residents to slow down in school zones as students head back to class, August 30, 2022. (Photo: LNN)

By Drew Stremick

Lethbridge Police remind everyone to be aware during back to school

Aug 30, 2022 | 3:12 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – As Lethbridge school divisions start welcoming students back to school this week, Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) is reminding everyone to take care around the city as school zones come back into effect.

Westwind and Palliser School divisions, as well as the Kainai Board of Education have already started for the 2022-2023 academic year, while Holy Spirit School Division begins on Wednesday, August 31, and Lethbridge School Division on September 6, 2022.

Sergeant Danny Lomness with LPS wants to make sure people across the city take a little extra care in school zones.

“We want to bring attention to the increased traffic flow, as well as pedestrian flow, and wanted motorists to be aware of potentially some students or kids being excited to come back and may not be, you know, using all the safety protocols in place,” explained Lomness.

Lomness also mentioned that drivers should be aware that school buses will be back driving through Lethbridge neighbourhoods.

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“Typically, you’ll see school buses will be parked kind of off the side of the road. You [drivers] need to be yielding to the school buses. Some of the kids may not know, and or forget that they need to exit onto the sidewalk,” Lomness said. “You got to pay attention obviously, so no kids are going in front of the school bus[es], behind school buses. You see any amber lights? You got to use caution if you’re passing, and if you see any red lights flashing on the school buses, you have to stop until those red lights are stopped or done flashing.”

For drivers who don’t obey school zones, the penalties can vary depending on the infraction, says Lomness.

“It can range from $80 to $500. If you’re doing over and around 50 kilometres per hour,” said Lomness. “Or if it’s over 50 km/hr it can be an automatic court appearance.”

In a news release, LPS shared the following safety tips for students, cyclists and drivers.

For students:

• When exiting a vehicle, ensure you watch out for vehicles that may be passing by.
• Before entering a roadway, always do it slowly while checking for vehicles. Never run into the roadway.
• Make eye contact with drivers of vehicles approaching intersections you intend to cross.
• Pay attention to your own safety, as well as the safety of other children travelling to school.

For cyclists:

• You should not be on the sidewalks unless on designated multi-use pathways.
• Dismount your bicycle before crossing a street.
• Be aware of other pedestrians and motorists.

For drivers:

• Pay attention to not only what is in front of you, but also obstacles along the side of the road that may obstruct your view of a child who may suddenly appear in your traffic lane.
• Leave sufficient space when travelling behind other vehicles to allow yourself time to react to traffic stopping suddenly.
• Pay attention to the roadway and do not manipulate or look at your cell phone or other electronic devices while driving.
• Use caution when approaching intersections or mid-block crosswalks, and yield to all pedestrians.

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