Schools go back in session on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and with it comes a return of school zones on area roads. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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NANAIMO — Back to school is just a week away for area students, as is the return of school zones on area roads.

Signed school zones are in place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day school is in session, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3.

ICBC road safety coordinator Colleen Woodger said over 350 kids are injured or worse while walking or riding their bikes to or from school every year, a number which is entirely preventable.

“[On Vancouver Island] we see about two children walking or cycling are killed and 47 injured in crashes every year. In playground or school zones, seven children are injured every year.”

Playground zones are in effect from dawn until dusk seven days a week.

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Observing posted speed limits is an essential step in curbing injuries to kids on their way to or from school, with parents just dropping their kids off often the worst offenders.

RCMP repeatedly say they will issue tickets to inattentive parents speeding out of school zones.

Fines under the Motor Vehicle Act for speeding in a school zone start at $197.

Woodger said school buses are also an area drivers need repeated reminders for.

“When the school buses are on the road and they put out their flashing light, vehicles approaching from both directions must stop, we really want to make sure that happens as quite a few don’t.”

She also recommended parents or guardians dropping their kids off ensure children get out of the car on the correct side.

Children should exit when possible onto a sidewalk or safe side of the road with no traffic.

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