News release

Richmond RCMP reminds drivers to slow down as students return to school

August 29, 2025 - Richmond, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP

Content

As students head back to school this September, Richmond RCMP is reminding drivers and parents to take extra care on the roads.

Richmond roads will be busier this September as many people return from summer holidays and children return to school. Drivers are reminded to allow extra travel time, reduce speed, and avoid distractions by leaving your phone alone while driving. Watch for children and multimodal road users, especially near schools, parks, and residential areas.

According to ICBC data, three children are killed and 402 injured in crashes while walking or cycling in B.C. every year. 50 of those injuries occur in September, making it the highest of any month during the year.

Richmond RCMP officers and volunteers have partnered with ICBC to conduct additional targeted outreach and enforcement this fall around local schools, to ensure safety for all road users. Speed Watch volunteers will be deployed to monitor drivers’ speeds and remind them that school zone speed limits are back in effect.

A 30km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. when school is in session and in playground areas from dawn until dusk, unless otherwise posted.

Drivers are reminded to always yield to pedestrians and stop for school buses when their lights are flashing.

Reminders for caregivers

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to speak with their children and provide a refresher on road safety before the start of the school year. If your child will be walking or riding to school, practice their route with them. This gives you the chance to provide advice along the route.

If you are driving to school, drop off your child close to the sidewalk. Don't let them dash from the middle of the road.

Tips for pedestrians

• Look: Shoulder check (left-right-left) before crossing the road. Make eye contact with drivers and continue to look for approaching vehicles while crossing.
• Listen: Remove headphones and avoid distraction so you can hear approaching traffic and other road users that may be hard to see.
• Be seen: Wear reflective materials and use lights after dark.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic, so you can see approaching vehicles.
• Always use marked crosswalks and follow the pedestrian signals.

Quote from Sergeant Baskette, Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit:

The number one message we have for drivers is to slow down and pay attention to the road. This is a busy time of year, so a few extra seconds of patience can prevent a lifetime of regret.

Additional Road Safety learning resources for parents and educators can be accessed on the ICBC website.

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