Motorists, Pedestrians Urged to Take Care as Students Return to School

Motorists and pedestrians are urged to be extra cautious around crosswalks and intersections as another school year starts.

"September is a busy time of the year on our roads as children go back to school and thousands of post-secondary students return to the province," said Murray Scott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "Motorists and pedestrians have a shared responsibility to ensure they are following the rules around crosswalks and intersections."

The province introduced amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act on June 1 to help clarify the responsibilities of pedestrians and drivers when it comes to crosswalk safety.

Motorists are reminded to:

• yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk or who show intent to cross -- crosswalks exist at every intersection whether marked or unmarked;
• be alert for pedestrians who appear indecisive or inattentive;
• not pass slowed or stopped vehicles in the next lane until sure no pedestrians are crossing; and
• take extra care when driving at night or in bad weather -- pedestrians can be hard to see.

Pedestrians are reminded to:

• use marked crosswalks, when available;
• obey pedestrian traffic signs;
• make eye contact with motorists before crossing the street to ensure they see them; and
• check for approaching or turning traffic, even when you have a walk signal or crossing light.

Drivers should also be aware that fines for speeding in a school zone are double and four demerit points will be assigned to driver's records. The fines, range from about $452 to $1452, including court costs.

For more information on crosswalk safety, visit the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal website at www.gov.ns.ca/trans .