The third annual Speed Awareness Campaign rolled into town last week and motorists were stopped one by one by peace officers and given a special card.
The cards were “a friendly reminder” to drive safely in school and playground zones, and that the speed limit is 30 km/h. What was extra special about each card was that there was a unique and personalized message on the back created by children. These were poignant messages, alongside colourful drawings. The messages ranged from “Be Slow”, to “Pay attention to the road, not your phone” and “Be Safe Drivers.”
The campaign is a partnership between the Office of Traffic Safety, Law Enforcement Community Peace Officers and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Commercial Vehicles, FCSS and Alberta Health and Safety. It began on Sept. 23 and ran until Sept. 26. There were stops in eight Central Alberta communities, including Olds, Innisfail, Sundre, Penhold, Bowden, Carstairs, Didsbury and Cremona.
The goal was to educate drivers of all ages with the cards and to pass on the message of safety.
Dana Jones, a peace officer from Penhold, set up her Innisfail stop on Sept. 25 near the Chinook Center School. She said the campaign is now becoming known and respected with many drivers.
“We have come across people after the years presenting us with cards that were issued the previous year,” she said. “We have a lot of parents, grandparents, other motorists who are very thankful and appreciate knowing their children and other peoples' children have helped make the speed awareness campaign through their school.”
Jones said the success of the campaign is best measured by the growing commitment of the organizers and participants.
“I see it through the partnership with the stakeholders, the community involvement, even volunteers throughout the schools, children volunteering to help promote safety awareness, growing together as a group, becoming one,” she said.
