Safety first: SGI encourages drivers to slow down in school zones

As students pack their bags and head off to class, SGI is encouraging drivers to take their time in school zones.

Saskatoon Police Service Sgt. Ken Kane said Tuesday — the first day of school in 2023 — that school zone speed limits shouldn’t be new to Saskatoon drivers, as the new legislation came into effect last year.

Every elementary school zone has a speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour and that is in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. year-round.

He notes it’s important to look at the signage, and although high schools are still a “school area,” reducing speed is not necessary.

“However, we would still advocate people to be a little more aware when they are driving around those particular areas,” he said.

Another legislation change that came into effect last year was speed limits in playground zones. They’re similar to elementary school zones with a speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. year-round.

Saskatoon city council approved the changes — including the creation of the playground zones — in May of 2022.

Kane said the fines for speeding in a school zone start at $250, and increase by $2 for every kilometre the driver is over the limit.

“They are expensive, but the idea is to change that behaviour because of the little ones that are running around these school zones that aren’t necessarily paying attention to traffic,” he said.

Drivers will also receive three demerit points under the Safe Driver Recognition Program, SGI said in a media release.

SGI also noted that drivers should slow down when school buses are stopped with their amber lights flashing, and should obey “no stopping” zone signs to keep school zones congestion free.

Kane said enforcement will also be patrolling the school zones as part of the traffic sections mandate.

U-turns are prohibited in all school zones or areas including high schools, he added, noting that it’s the most common infraction seen in these areas.

Jaimie Smith-Windsor, the president of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association, said there are different school zones for different municipalities and encourages people to familiarize themselves with the laws around them.

“Before (you) leave the house, take a little pause, have a little patience, leave a little extra time, and make sure (you’re) really paying attention to those school zones,” she said.

More information on school zones, school bus safety and other tips for driving at this time of year can be found on the SGI website.