VPD and ICBC Remind Drivers to Slow Down as Students Head Back to School

September means more than just cooler evenings and a fresh batch of notebooks – it also means dozens of children marching to and from school each day. That’s why the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) are joining forces to ask everyone behind the wheel to hit the brakes a little harder.

“We’re seeing a spike in traffic around school zones as the new term kicks in,” said VPD traffic officer Maya Singh. “A few seconds of extra caution can be the difference between a safe arrival and a tragic accident.” The message isn’t just a polite reminder; it’s backed by hard‑won data. In the past two years, collisions involving pedestrians under 18 have risen by roughly 12 % during the first two weeks of school.

ICBC’s safety team echoes the sentiment, offering a short checklist for drivers: obey the posted 30 km/h speed limit in school zones, keep a clear line of sight, avoid distractions, and be ready to stop at crosswalks. They also suggest pulling over if you’re feeling rushed – the kids will thank you later.

Parents and teachers are doing their part, too. Many schools have installed temporary “cross‑walk volunteers” and are sending out weekly reminders to students about looking both ways. Some neighbourhoods have even set up “speed‑watch” signs that flash when a car exceeds the limit, turning the whole community into a safety net.

So, what does all this mean for you, the everyday driver? First, slow down when you see a school sign – even if the road looks clear. Second, keep windows up and music low; you’ll be more aware of any sudden movements. And finally, remember that the children you see today could be the same people you’ll work with tomorrow. A little patience now builds a safer city for everyone.

In short, the call to slow down isn’t just a seasonal slogan. It’s a concrete step toward protecting the next generation of Vancouverites. As the city’s streets fill with backpacks and bicycles again, a collective effort from police, insurers, schools, parents and drivers will keep those journeys as safe as possible.