The Drumheller RCMP is reminding residents school is back in session. Last Wednesday, students headed back to class for the first day of the 2013/2014 school year.
Drumheller RCMP will have an increased presence in Drumheller’s school zones over the next couple weeks to help remind motorists school is back in session. School zones are marked by fluorescent yellow signs (above) and are in effect from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on school days.
Over the next several weeks, RCMP will be increasing patrols and enforcement in and near school zones .
“We’re asking people to drive with care and caution and be watchful of the increase in pedestrians, especially at major intersections near schools and during school hours,” said Drumheller RCMP Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins. “Generally, during the first part of the year, we do what we can to be more visible in the school zones. People just have to get back into the swing of things.”
School zones are marked by pentagon-shaped fluorescent yellow signs depicting a boy and girl walking. School zones are generally in effect from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on school days (Monday to Friday). Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in school zones is 30 kilometres per hour. Passing other vehicles is not permitted in school zones.
The Drumheller RCMP is also asking residents to take extra precautions on Friday, during the Tour of Alberta bike race. The race will be in Drumheller roughly the same time as when school is being let out for the day.
“The bike race will be coming through this area right around when school is getting out, so there probably will be quite a few delays. Plan accordingly,” said Staff Sergeant Hopkins.