Alberta RCMP Press Release:
As students return to school this fall, the Alberta RCMP is reminding parents, guardians, students, and motorists to take extra precautions to help keep everyone safe on Alberta roads.
Parents/guardians and students:
- Brightly coloured clothing can help make students more visible when weather conditions or time of day reduce visibility.
- Teach your child to look in all directions before crossing the street, cross only at designated crosswalks, and make eye contact with drivers before stepping onto the road.
- Remind your child to never run after a school bus. Bus drivers and motorists may not see them enter the roadway.
- Show your child a safe route to walk or bike to school. Walk the route with them at least once to identify potential hazards, use crosswalks safely, and obey traffic control devices.
- If your child takes the school bus, ensure they understand the traffic hazards that may be present near the bus stop and where they can wait safely.
- If meeting your child at the bus stop after school, wait at the designated stop rather than nearby. Children may forget traffic safety rules and cross the road without checking for traffic.
- Texting, using a mobile device, or listening to music with headphones while walking can be distracting and make it harder to notice traffic hazards.
Drivers:
- Watch carefully for children walking to and from school when entering or exiting your driveway or garage.
- Be mindful that it may be difficult to see pedestrians during dark mornings and evenings.
- Remember that it is illegal to pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing. Drivers travelling in both directions must stop and remain stopped until red lights are turned off.
- Slow down in school zones and be particularly alert for students during school hours, especially during drop-off and pick-up times.
- Never assume pedestrians can see you. Make eye contact whenever possible before turning or proceeding through a crosswalk.
“The start of the school year brings more children onto our roads, sidewalks, and crosswalks, often during darker morning and evening hours,” says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services.
“Whether driving through a school zone, approaching a bus stop, or backing out of your driveway, take a few extra seconds to ensure no students are in your path. Let’s ensure students make it home safely.”
For more traffic safety information, follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.
