Ignorance isn't bliss

Students returned to school last week amid great excitement, and although youthful exuberance is wonderful, it can also be dangerous.

Young people are carried away easily by the moment, and the anticipation of so-called ‘big school’ - making new friends and meeting old ones - can sometimes preclude safety concerns.

While crossing guards are a staple at most schools that sport intersections and teachers are in abundance in the schoolyard to help police student behaviour, there’s always opportunity for mishap in such a highly charged environment. The thrill of a new school year can blind young folks to any possible threat from motorists, and while we envy their enthusiasm we must offer a cautionary word, not only to parents but to the kids themselves.

Awareness is a shared communication between a parent and child and that’s where any safety initiative should begin. Teach children the rules of the road and the harmful impact a car can have. Impress upon them the value of patience and playing safe and create a dialogue that includes regular updates on the issue.

The other half of the equation involves drivers, and we applaud a recent government release that reminds motorists to slow down when driving through school zones. The document reiterates the stiffness of the penalty for those willing to speed through such designated areas.

Legislation was enacted Jan. 1 of this year that doubled the fine for speeding in school zones in Nova Scotia. Those who do so face a minimum fine of $330.

That’s not exactly chump change and should be incentive enough for people to lift their foot from the accelerator in a school zone. Problem is, most people likely aren’t aware that such a penalty exists, and that’s where we come in.

How often have we seen a car roaring through a school zone, clearly in excess of the posted limit of 50 kilometres an hour? Too often, to our perception.

It’s incumbent on all of us, as drivers and parents, motorists and informed citizens, to be aware of those who are most at risk and to drive responsibly in deference to their circumstance.

Few children think of road safety once they’re dropped off at school and the car pulls away. Playgrounds and playmates are powerfully seductive and the onus, at the end of the day, is on those who have care and control of the vehicle to be watchful, ever vigilant and aware in the region’s school zones.

A hefty fine shouldn’t be necessary to encourage such safety consciousness, but it’s there and should hit where it hurts the most should anyone be caught speeding.

Better that than the alternative; a horrible waste of young potential due to, in most cases, a misplaced sense of urgency.

Drive safe, know the rules and don’t bemoan the fine should you be caught. The word is out and ignorance isn’t bliss. It’s stupid.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you.