WEYBURN -- The Weyburn Police Service responded to 71 calls for service during the week of August 23 to 29, resulting in four charges under the Criminal Code of Canada and nine charges under the Traffic Safety Act. All four charges under the Criminal Code of Canada involve individuals that failed to comply with a condition of their release or a court order.
It’s that time of year, and the Weyburn Police would like to remind all motorists that officers will have an increased presence in our school zones as school starts up this week.
As children return to school, we all have a responsibility to be more watchful on the roads. The Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) found that children aged 14 and under are the most at-risk pedestrian group. Driving defensively and observing the rules of the road, particularly in school zones, helps keep everyone safe.
Distracted Driving, speeding, and failing to obey school bus arms/lights, is a particular concern around school zones, and you can expect officers to have a watchful eye for these violations.
A few things to remember as noted on the Government of Canada website:
As school doors open, traffic gets a little heavier on our streets. People are back from holidays, school buses are on regular routes, and more people are walking, cycling or driving to school. To help with the transition and share the roads safely, read our safety tip. Help everyone stay safe this school year!
Observe School Zone Speeds - Although you should always obey posted speed limits, it is especially important during the school year. Children crossing the road on their way to and from school can easily get distracted and step into harm's way. Slowing down and being vigilant is crucial to keeping kids safe. Children are often out throughout the day at recess, lunch, and for certain classes, so it's important to drive slowly throughout the day.
Obey the Crossing Guard - A crossing guard is there to keep children safe. Follow his/her direction.
Watch for Darting Children - Kids are small and easily distracted, and for drivers, this can create dangerous situations on the roads. Be vigilant and alert behind the wheel. You never know when a small child might step out from between parked cars or off a sidewalk.
The City of Weyburn and Weyburn Police Service would also like to ensure all residents and visitors are aware of recent changes. A new pedestrian project was completed which will help improve safety near Weyburn’s newest recreational hub. A solar powered button crosswalk light has been installed at 5 intersections near the new Credit Union Spark Centre/Legacy Park School and surrounding Jubilee Park. They have been installed at the following 5 locations:
- Douglas Road and Rick Smith Crescent
- 13th Street and Brimacombe Drive
- First Avenue and Ninth Street
- Fifth Street at the entrance of the Credit Union Spark Centre
- Fifth Street and Maple Drive
*Anyone with information regarding one of these matters, or any other matter of a criminal nature, is encouraged to contact the Weyburn Police Service at (306) 848-3250, the local RCMP Detachment at 310-RCMP (7267), or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).