Summer vacation has come to a close and on Sept. 1, students will be embarking on the new school year.
With anxiety (or joy?) running high in both parents and kids; a request is going out to the residents of Springbrook to pay a bit more attention in the mornings and after school.
School zones will also be back in affect in the town of Penhold, starting at 8 a.m. The speed for both urban and rural schools zones is 30 km/h unless otherwise posted,These limits are in effect on school days from 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Use caution and be alert when driving near buses and in school zones.
Watch out for alternating flashing amber lights, which means a school bus is slowing to stop where students will either be getting on or off the bus.
Slow down and stop when the school bus activates its alternately flashing red lights. This means you must stop whether you are approaching an oncoming bus or following one. The only exception to this rule is when the bus is on the opposite side of a two-way highway that is physically divided by a median.
Proceed only when the red lights on the bus have stopped flashing.
Watch for school buses loading and unloading children, even if the lights aren't flashing.
Be on the lookout for children crossing the road.
Drivers are also asked to remember that some municipalities have bylaws not requiring school buses to use their alternating flashing lights when they stop. In this case, drivers do not need to stop but should still be cautious and watch for pedestrians when the buses are loading or unloading students.
The fine for passing a school bus with its red lights flashing is $402 and six demerit points. In Springbrook the speed limit at all times is 30 km/h.
For more information about traffic safety, contact the Office of Traffic Safety at 780-422-8839 or visithttp://www.saferoads.com/.