Parents with kids at Lakewood elementary pledged to be law abiding drivers after a friendly ambush by firefighters and law enforcement officers.
Last Friday, in the fleeting minutes between the final dismissal bell and driving their kids home, Langford firefighters, West Shore RCMP officers and Langford bylaw staff asked parents to sign onto the “Pace Car” program, where they vowed not to speed — especially in school zones — and to set a good example for other drivers.
“We are trying to slow cars down to the speed limit, we’re trying to make it safer on the streets for young ones to walk,” said Langford assistant fire chief Kerry Zado, who organized the project.
Parent Richard Jordison, parked near Lake Ida Anne on Treanor Avenue, was happy to make the pledge. “I’m all for it. It’s amazing how many cars fly by here,” he said. “We’ve got to do something.”
Among parents there were almost no naysayers — 68 signed the pledge and were happy to take a yellow “Pace Car” sticker for their back window. “Everyone said ‘yep I’ll sign that,’” Zado said.
The Pace Car program is from the Safe Kids Canada organization and is sponsored by FedEx. Langford Fire Rescue is the first department in B.C. to be awarded a grant through the program.
“It’s a great initiative for local schools,” said West Shore RCMP Const. Cole Brewer, who was out with an auxiliary officer and a member of Speed Watch. “Anything to draw attention to speed zones and gets drivers to slow down is a good thing.”
Zado plans to take the program to Willway, Ruth King and Happy Valley elementary schools.
“We are willing to take on anybody who wants to participate,” he said. “We’ll do two or three schools and expand as time permits.”
Schools interested in participating can email Zado at kzado@cityoflangford.ca.