BCAA’s latest School Zone safety survey shows drivers still aren’t making the grade.
Associate Manager with Community Impact at BCAA, Linda Lawlor, said dangerous behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and not stopping at crosswalks continue to put kids at risk.
“We surveyed people in BC back in June to share their driving behaviors that they found most in School Zones and 91 per cent saw speeding over the limit, 84 per cent said distracted driving, and over 80 per cent saw drivers not stopping for students at marked crosswalks.”
With another back to school right around the corner, Lawlor wants motorists to keep in mind in School Zones you need to reduce your speed to 30 kilometres per hour between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm that are the standard hours.
“However lots of School Districts have extended those hours or sometimes they’re 24-hours a day,” Lawlor said, “Keep in mind to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks or if there are adult crossing guards to make sure you’re following their instructions. Stay focused on the road so you can react to anything unexpected, make sure your phone is tucked away and other distractions are minimized like eating or playing with the radio.”
Parents and students are reminded to make sure when you’re walking to school that you are using marked crosswalks and for your own safety have eye contact with the drivers so they know you are going to be crossing.
“Take a few extra moments to set a good example by slowing down, staying alert, and following parking and other School Zone rules. It will help make the back to school transition easier and safer for everyone,” Lawlor said.
About 800 British Columbians that took BCAA’s School Zone Safety survey from June 13 to 16 2025.
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