Alberta RCMP Press Release
September 8, 2025 – Edmonton, Alberta
As the roads get busier with back to school, your Alberta RCMP is giving safety tips for students, guardians, and drivers.
Parents/guardians and students:
- Brightly coloured clothing can help make students visible when weather or time of day limits visibility.
- Teach your child to look in all directions before crossing the street, only cross at crosswalks, and always make eye contact with drivers before stepping out onto the road.
- Instruct your child to never run after a school bus as neither the bus driver nor other motorists may see them on the road.
- Show your child a safe route to walk/bike to school. Make sure to walk the route with them at least once to point out any hazards and to show them how to properly use crosswalks and obey traffic control devices.
- If using a school bus, ensure your child is aware of the traffic hazards which may be present near the bus stop. Show them a safe place where they can wait to catch the bus.
- If meeting your child at the bus stop after school, always wait at the actual bus stop, not just nearby. Children may forget traffic safety rules and run over to you without paying attention.
- Texting or listening to music with headphones while walking can be dangerous. Children may get distracted by devices and step out into traffic without paying attention to motorists.
Drivers:
- Pay extra attention for children walking to school as you pull out or back out of your garage or driveway.
- Be mindful that it may be difficult to see pedestrians during dark mornings or evenings.
- Remember, it is illegal to pass a school bus when its lights are flashing red. Drivers on both sides of the road must remain stopped until the flashing red lights are turned off.
- Slow down in school zones and be particularly alert for students during school hours, especially when dropping off and picking up children from school.
- Don’t assume pedestrians see you. Always make eye contact before turning to ensure everyone is aware of one another.
“Back to school can be a busy time,” says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic. “By following some basic tips and giving yourself extra time, everyone can have a safer commute.”
For more traffic safety information, follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.
Author: PressRelease
