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August 22, 2025
With Labour Day weekend around the corner, school zones return on Tuesday, September 2 in Vancouver and nearby districts. Let’s keep things local, simple, and safe, together.
Why This Week Matters for BC Drivers
School starts the day after Labour Day. The Vancouver School Board lists the first day as Tuesday, Sept 2, 2025, and notes alignment with neighbouring districts. That makes this the ideal week to prep for school-zone safety.
(Source: vsb.bc.ca)
School-Zone Rules at a Glance
30 km/h on school days, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless posted otherwise.
Playground zones stay 30 km/h from dawn to dusk, every day.
Despite July rumours, school zones are not changing to 24/7. BC Highway Patrol has confirmed that posted hours remain in effect.
(Source: RCMP)
Collision Prevention Habits for September
Slow down and stay focused.
Speed limits assume ideal conditions. ICBC urges drivers to go slower around schools, stow the phone, and make eye contact at crosswalks. Leave extra space and drive for the moment.
School buses mean full stops.
When a bus has flashing red lights, vehicles in both directions must stop. Wait until it moves before proceeding.
Crosswalk awareness matters.
If the vehicle ahead stops, they might be yielding. Be ready to stop fully — pedestrians may be crossing.
(Source: ICBC)
First Fall Rains = Slick Roads
Dry summer roads build up residue. The first rains lift that debris and reduce traction. ICBC advises twice the normal braking distance on wet roads. Ease off the gas and give everyone room.
(Source: ICBC)
Labour Day Travel + Winter Tire Prep
Labour Day long weekend = higher crash risk.
On average, ICBC sees around 2,000 crashes across BC during this weekend. If you're travelling, plan your route, take breaks, and share the road.
(Source: North Shore News)
Book early for tire changes.
From Oct 1 to Apr 30, winter tires or chains are required on most signed BC highways. Be winter-ready and skip the seasonal rush.
(Source: Government of BC)
Smoke, Air Quality, and Smarter Travel
Late summer often brings wildfire smoke. Two essential tools for travel:
DriveBC for road conditions and live cams: drivebc.ca
AQHI for local air quality risk: BC Air Quality
Pro tip: Travel when AQHI is lower, use cabin air on “recirculate,” and plan extra rest stops.
Parking Lot Scrapes? Here's What To Do
School pickup zones and grocery lots get tight this week. Here’s how to avoid fender-benders, and what to do if one happens:
Park 1–2 rows farther out for better visibility.
Signal early, go slow in tight areas.
If a low-speed scrape happens:
Move to a safe spot.
Take clear photos from multiple angles, in daylight if possible.
If the damage is visible, snap a photo and try our AI Estimator, it gives quick guidance for surface damage. It's not a substitute for a full inspection, but it’s a great first step.
When Accidents Happen, Kirmac Is Here
Real help from real people. Call us during business hours: no bots, no call centers.
AI Estimator. Upload your photos for a fast assessment of visible scrapes and dents.
Tow-Ins Welcome. If your vehicle is non-drivable, give us a call, we can accept your tow-in, no problem!
Limited Lifetime Guarantee. We stand behind our collision repairs for as long as you own your vehicle.
Kirmac Cares for Kids. Every repair helps support local children’s health foundations, including BC Children’s Hospital and Surrey Memorial.
Quick Reference
School zones: 30 km/h on school days, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Playgrounds: 30 km/h from dawn to dusk.
Fall rain: Double your braking distance.
Winter tire routes: Required Oct 1 to Apr 30 on most BC highways.
Ready for a Smoother September?
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