This week sees students across the province returning to school.

Portage la Prairie RCMP Sergeant Brian Brewer urges drivers to be extra cautious in school zones.

"A lot of young ones for the first time in school. They're excited to get back there. We all know, in their excitement, they can run across roads, so as drivers it needs to be paramount that we're watching for these kids, especially until they get into the routine of going back and forth to school."

Brewer believes the year-round school zone speed limits in Portage are having a positive effect.

"I notice on my regular patrols, it took a while, but people are very cognizant of those lower speed zones, and that it's imperative that in these playground and school zones we slow down. And I think, in speaking with my officers, and just my own experience out there, that it has made a difference, and people are making a concerted effort to keep to those lower speeds."

Brewer also recommends parents coach their kids about how to be safe.

"As parents it's a good idea -- especially the little ones the first few times -- walk them to school, get them comfortable, so that they know where to go and what to do. And so it's really important to educate them, as a pedestrian, about their responsibilities, and what to do to keep themselves safe when they're near busy intersections and crosswalks, and going across the roadways to school."