City police warn drivers to be extra aware in school zones as kids head back next week

By Jeremy Appel on August 29, 2018.

jappel@medicinehatnews.com @MHNJeremyAppel

The Medicine Hat Police Service is gearing up for the 2018-19 school year by warning drivers to slow down in school zones.

Sgt. Clarke White says the city considers all schools to be playground zones, which have a 30 km/h speed limit from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

“Of course, we’ll be monitoring that, especially with the first week of school coming up,” said White. “We always keep a close eye on the school zones just to make sure people are slowing down.”

Police will also be keeping watch for crosswalk violations.

“It’s important to note with crosswalks that you have to stay stopped until the pedestrian has gone from one curb and reached the other curb,” White said. “So for instance, if the pedestrian is only half-crossed, your lane’s open, it doesn’t mean you’re free to go.”

There’s also photo radar rotating from school to school in the morning when kids arrive and in the afternoon when they’re let out.

Another important traffic issue the police have with the beginning of the school year is parking violations.

“We see a lot of parents that double park or stop in the middle of the road to let their students out,” said White.

“It’s a very dangerous situation you’re putting everybody in — not only yourself and your children that are getting out in the middle of the road, but other pedestrians and motorists.

“You’re essentially blocking a large part of the view of people who are coming and going.”

The City of Medicine Hat sought public feedback in March for ways to enhance traffic safety in school zones and playgrounds, but the results have yet to be discussed by council.

“We’ve summarized all the information and it will be going forward to the development and infrastructure committee, and then to council as information in the next couple weeks,” said municipal engineer Randi Buchner.

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