School will soon be back in session: Drivers are urged to slow down and stay alert

September 2, 2026 - Kelowna, British Columbia
From: Kelowna RCMP

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Students will be returning to class early next week, and the Kelowna RCMP is reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert and prioritize safety throughout the community.

Following the Labour Day holiday on Monday, September 7, the Kelowna RCMP Road Safety Unit will be focusing enforcement efforts in and around school zones to help ensure a safe start to the school year.

"Returning to class is an exciting time for students and families alike, and with it comes an increase in children walking, biking and crossing the street," says Corporal Steven Lang, Kelowna RCMP Media Relations Officer. "We are encouraging drivers to slow down, stay alert for increased pedestrian activity and keep their focus on the road, especially near schools."

Back-to-school safety tips

• School zones are in effect in Kelowna from 7:30 am to 5 pm on school days, with a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h, unless otherwise posted.
• Where a school zone is combined with a playground zone, the reduced speed limit remains in effect from dawn to dusk, every day.
• Slow down in school zones. Fines for speeding in a school zone start at $196 and increase based on the speed over the posted limit.
• Always yield to pedestrians, obey crossing guards and never block crosswalks.
• Stay alert and remember that children can be unpredictable and may enter the roadway unexpectedly.
• Watch for school buses. Stop in both directions when red lights are flashing and watch for children boarding, exiting and crossing the street.
• Encourage children to stay on sidewalks, look both ways before crossing and remain aware of their surroundings.

"Everyone in the community has a role to play in keeping kids safe," adds Corporal Lang. "Consider leaving extra time for your commute and for school drop-offs and pick-ups, especially during the first week of classes."

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