Summer is over for students as today marks the first day of classes. It’s a new year of friendships and learning, but caution on the roads remains paramount. The morning was filled with excited kids across the city making their way to school. Between those walking, biking, taking the bus, and being dropped off — neighbourhood streets are the busiest they’ve been in months. On Wednesday, Regina Public Schools and the Regina Police Service gathered at Douglas Park School to give a demonstration of just how important it is to slow down in school zones. The RPS Traffic Unit outlined different stopping distances with cones and chalk in front of the elementary school to give a visual aid of just how long it can take to fully stop a vehicle. Sergeant Tanner Maurice walked through the distances explaining how slowing down in a school zone means more than you’d think. “At about 30 kilometres per hour, the stopping distance is going to be around 11 meters, that factors in our reaction time, and at 50 km/h it’s going to be about 25 meters,” he said. “As you approach doubling your speed, you quadruple your requirements (in distance) to stop.” According to Mark Haarman, CEO and director of education for Regina Public Schools, schools have faced numerous challenges and maneuvering over the past couple of years, referring to issues like Bill 137 (pronoun policy), the cell phone ban. However, Haarmann says this year represents a fresh look with nothing to focus on except educating Regina’s youth. “I think it’s a chance for new classes, new teachers, new relationships, new friendships, and I think for everyone in education, that is the general feeling,” he explained. “A chance to celebrate a new beginning and a whole year for new opportunities. A whole year for new successes for all our staff and students here at Regina Public Schools.” As for the kids themselves, many said they were happy to be back at school for one reason or another. Grade 6 students Bennett Carter and Duncan Parks are excited to hang out with all their friends, while Aundreya Anaquod-McLean is happy with the teacher she has this year and the fact that she’s finally in Grade 8. Day one of the school year is now in the books for those students, who will likely spend a bit more time indoors as summer turns to fall. In the meantime, Regina police will be increasing their focus on school and playground zones to promote traffic safety.
