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Police ready to teach drivers the ABCs of back-to-school

Motorists warned to be on the lookout for children walking near schools at all times of the day as classes resume next week
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Routine stop in Langley ends up with a loaded gun, blade, drugs and brass knuckles with a taser on them among cornucopia of illegal items.

RCMP will be out in full force, ready to teach a lesson to drivers who don’t follow the ABCs of back to school.

RCMP want drivers to remember their ABCs, once school is back in session on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

“A” is for attention; “B” is for ‘Be’ patient and “C” is for children.

Lessons will include: fines, demerit points, driving prohibitions, jail, or — in the worst case scenario —  the injury or death of a child, said Cpl. Ronda Rempel of the BC RCMP traffic services.

In B.C., 78 children aged five to 18 are injured in crashes in school or playground zones every year.

September’s arrival means more children will be on or near roadways and drivers need to get out of ‘summer mode’ quickly, said Rempel.

During the first week, school times vary across the province, so drivers are warned to be alert and to prepare for kids arriving and leaving school at all times of the day.

Drivers who are distracted, might fail to see a child running across the street or a stopped school bus.

Tragedy can happen in the blink of an eye or in many cases, a glance at a text.

“Put the coffee and breakfast sandwich down. Lipstick and mascara can wait. Keep both of your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road,” said Rempel.

Police will be enforcing the 30 km/h school zones this month.