Back to School….. be prepared.
Saskatchewan families are counting down to those first days of the new school year.
It is common knowledge that the first weeks of September are often a time of increased danger for drivers and pedestrians, as they adjust to new routines and as an increased number of students, staff and vehicles converge on school property.
With this in mind, it is important that we turn our minds to our responsibility to keep children safe, as parents and motor vehicle drivers.
Improper driving in a school zone could result in serious injuries.
Passing a school bus improperly, failing to obey school crossing signs, and speeding in school zones, to name just a few, are all offences and can easily be prevented by using common sense and driving carefully within the law.
Here are some important safety tips to remember when driving around school property and in designated school traffic safety zones:
* Always stop for a school bus when its lights are flashing. Children might run to or from the school bus and across the road. When approaching a school bus, ensure that you stop well away when its lights are flashing and its stop arm is out.
* Respect the posted speed limits. While the speed limits in a school zone may seem excessively low, if children run out into the roadway, the slower speed will give you more time to react and avoid an accident.
* Do not pass other vehicles in a school zone. It is in fact prohibited, and passing almost always involves traveling faster than the posted school speed limit, which lowers your reaction time.
* School staff take great care to develop drop-off and pick-up procedures that are intended to keep everyone safe, but following the rules often requires patience. Respect “No parking” and “No stopping” zones.
* Expect the unexpected. Children are unpredictable and can dart into traffic at any time. This goes for teenagers as well. As a driver, you are required to have control of your vehicle at all times. By observing the rules, driving at an appropriate speed, and minimizing distractions, you will be better able to react and avoid an accident.
We all want to avoid being involved in a motor vehicle accident, particularly one involving young victims. Slow down and be careful this school year.
Incidents of note
On August 22 at 9:45 p.m., Corman Park Police Service (CPPS) executed a traffic stop on a vehicle near the Travel Inn. A strong odour of freshly smoked cannabis was present within the vehicle and both parties were visibly under the influence. One occupant verbally provided the name of her sister and was subsequently arrested for obstruction and personation, as well as breach of a conditional sentence order. Transported to the Saskatoon RCMP Detachment to be held in custody to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court.
On August 26 at 6:40 p.m., CPPS responded to a call of a vehicle on fire at Range Road (RR) 3050 south of Township (TWP) Road 384. After investigation the vehicle was determined to be stolen and a male from the vehicle was arrested. He admitted to stealing the truck from a farm yard near Aberdeen, leaving another stolen vehicle in the yard. RCMP located a stolen Acura there. A few hours later police received a call of a Bobcat being stolen directly to the east from where the truck was on fire. A witness indicated that a black SUV was seen in the area of the theft. At 3:00 a.m., CPPS was making a patrol of the area of the truck fire, locating the black SUV. A CPIC check of the VIN came back stolen out of Saskatoon. The driver was arrested and charged with numerous criminal charges and also had an outstanding warrant for Break and Enter out of Saskatoon Police Service (SPS).
On September 4 around 11:15 p.m., SPS reported seeing a possible stolen vehicle on Idywyld Drive heading northbound. The vehicle was a 2017 Dodge Challenger, white in colour. At 11:19 p.m., a white flat deck truck was observed heading north on the service road, followed by a 2017 white Dodge Challenger. Police activated emergency lights and both vehicles fled back onto Highway 12 northbound. The vehicles’ speed was obtained by radar at 151 km/hr. Police did not pursue, locating the Challenger shortly after in the east ditch off the exit road from Highway 12. An adult male was taken into custody and charged with possession of stolen property, and flight from police.
On September 9 around 2:55 a.m.,, a grey Chev Cobalt was observed driving erratically northbound on Highway 11 at TWP Road 360. A traffic stop was conducted and signs of impairment noted. The driver provided a sample of breath roadside, the result of which was a FAIL. The driver was arrested for impaired operation and exceeding 80mg%. The accused provided two intoxilizer samples with a result of 120mg%. He was charged with impaired operation and exceeding 80mg%, released on an Appearance Notice for court in October 2023 at Provincial Court.
On September 3 at 1:40 a.m., CPPS conducted a traffic stop on a white Toyota Camry that was pulled over on TWP 380 and RR 3051. Upon approach to the vehicle, the passenger window was rolled down and a haze of smoke was coming from the vehicle. When asked what they were doing, they both stated they were smoking cannabis. When told they cannot do that, both were seemingly unaware. Driver was read the Oral Fluid Demand, provided a sample of oral fluid which provided a POSITIVE result for THC. The subject vehicle was subsequently impounded for three days and his driver’s license was suspended for three days. Both were then provided a courtesy ride to the Motel 6 on Marquis Drive.