Lloyd RCMP remind motorists about school safety

With the return to school this week, buses are back to picking up students, kids are hurrying to get to school on bikes, and congestion of the pick up and drop offs in school zones.

We want to remind motorists they need to be extra vigilant as students return to school this week.

It’s never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present – especially before and after school.

To ensure safety, Lloydminster RCMP recommend following these tips when driving in school zones:

- Slow down and follow the speed limit

- Follow the rules of the road near school buses. This includes stopping for a stopped school bus with its upper flashing lights and stop arm activated

- Choose a safe location to drop off and pick up your kids

- Make eye contact with pedestrians crossing the road

- Watch for student safety patrollers; and school staff

“We want to remind motorists they need to be extra vigilant as students return to school this week,” said School Resource Officer, Const. Kelsey Davidge, of the Lloydminster RCMP detachment.

The City of Lloydminster also wishes to advise under the City’s new traffic bylaw, drivers are reminded:

- School zone hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on school days

- Playground zone hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day

- Schools with playgrounds operate as playground zones

- The maximum speed limit in school and playground zones is 30 km/hr

- U-turns are forbidden in school zones and playground zones

“And today, I see artificial intelligence is the next step forward, which we have to prepare kids for. Students have to be taught the tools, and taught how to use the tools so the tools don’t use them.”

For example, in HRHS’s new biomechanics centre, ath - letes can brush up on their technique but the new technology can also spark interest in other types of careers, such as physiotherapy, medicine, or coding just to name a few.

“I have the most innovative group of teachers, support staff, central office staff, that I’ve ever worked with in my career, and their ability to bring these lessons to the kids is what I’m really excited to watch,” said McCarthy.

“Our job is to support everyone by giving them what they need to do their job well. What I’ve seen with our people is that when we give them the tools, they can do extraordinary things.”