Speeding in school zones is spine-chilling!

92% in Quebec City. 96% in Montreal. That’s how many motorists are driving too fast in school zones, according to our latest spot checks. Forget ghosts, witches, and monsters. These stats should be sending chills down your spine this Halloween.

Over the years, police have increased their presence at schools during the back-to-school season, but they can’t keep it up all year long. The CAA-Quebec Foundation decided to investigate whether motorists maintain their good habits later into the year.

Our observations

Quebec City

At École Saint-Claude we looked at motorists driving through the school zone at lunchtime. The average speed was 45 km/h, while the posted limit is 30 km/h. That’s a whopping 15 km/h above the limit. It’s a sad state of affairs, with 92% of motorists travelling above the speed limit despite clear signage. We also spotted 2 drivers going way too fast—40 km/h over the limit.

Montreal

Our analysts also monitored motorists in a school zone at École Saint-Arsène in Montreal, this time as the children were arriving at school. The average speed was 40 km/h in a 30 km/h zone—10 km/h above the limit. Excess speeds were lower than in Quebec City, but we still noted that 96% of drivers were going far too fast.

Efforts to raise aw areness must continue

Both provincial and municipal governments have made efforts to improve safety in school zones. Bill 22 clearly sets out the criteria for establishing a school zone, and fines for speeding in school zones have doubled. But there is still a lot of work left to do.

“We’re deeply concerned about speeding in school zones. It’s a terrible idea to put children’s lives at risk just so you can save a few seconds. Think twice before you speed!”

– Marco Harrison, Director of the CAA-Quebec Foundation

“For a number of years now, CAA-Quebec has been doubling down on its efforts to educate and raise awareness among motorists on the importance of obeying traffic signs and observing the speed limit. Accidents happen fast, and these spot checks prove that we must continue our efforts to prevent them, now more than ever,” said CAA-Quebec Foundation Director Marco Harrison.

Take extra care this Halloween

If those stats didn’t strike fear into your heart, maybe the little monsters knocking at your door will do the trick! Are you one of those people who drives their kids around to find the best candy? The streets will be packed, so go easy on the gas pedal and be extra vigilant. Check out our 5 tips for a happy—and safe—Halloween.

Methodology

The CAA-Quebec Foundation conducted spot checks on motorists in two school zones, looking at two specific criteria: speed and compliance with signage. The checks were conducted on October 21 and 24 in the morning as students arrived and at lunch time. We also observed drivers as they approached the school zones. The data is available on request.

About CAA-Quebec Foundation

CAA-Quebec is a non-profit organization that has been actively involved in society for over 115 years. It created the CAA-Quebec foundation in 2008 to fund research, outreach, and educational activities, particularly in road safety.

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