Crashes involving minors are 37% higher than the monthly average in September, according to ICBC data.
The agency also found minors are more than twice as likely to be involved in a crash during the morning and afternoon school commute periods than at other times of day.
ICBC, police and Speed Watch volunteers are increasing their presence around schools throughout B.C. this month to monitor driver speeds and remind motorists that school-zone speed limits are back in effect.
Data from 2016 to 2025 shows 551 crashes involving minors occurred between 8 and 9 a.m. on weekdays during the school year, 224% above the hourly average. Between 3 and 4 p.m., there were 603 crashes, 255% above the hourly average.
Unless otherwise posted, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every school day. A 30 km/h limit applies in playground zones from dawn to dusk every day.
“Children can be unpredictable around traffic, which is why drivers need to slow down, eliminate distractions, and be especially cautious near schools and playgrounds,” said Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC road safety manager.
ICBC said three children are killed and 365 are injured in crashes while walking or cycling in B.C. each year, based on five-year averages from 2021 to 2025.
The agency is encouraging parents and caregivers to review road safety with children and practise walking or cycling routes before the school year begins.
ICBC has invested more than $1.5 million in 88 school safety projects across B.C. since 2001. Last year, 10 projects received a combined $271,000 for improvements including pedestrian signals, flashing beacons, raised medians, refuge islands, speed reader boards and speed humps.
Drivers are being urged to slow down near schools, avoid distractions and watch for children walking, cycling or riding scooters
