School Zone Safety
As everyone heads back to school, it's important that everyone gets refreshed on safety measures around the city's schools and playgrounds.
Students will be out and about - walking, biking, skateboarding - and we want to avoid traffic-related injuries. With these few tips, we'll be able to keep everyone safe.
Crosswalk Pedestrian Safety
*Please review with your children*
- Students should make eye contact with all drivers before they start crossing. If you can’t see their eyes, they likely can’t see you.
- Never jaywalk or cross against the signal. If you get dropped off across the street from school, walk to the nearest crosswalk.
- Avoid distracted walking: Don’t text or have headphones in around the school during high-traffic times.
Bike/Scooter/Skateboard Safety as Riders
*Please review with your children*
- The golden rule: Once you’re in a school zone, get off your bike/ scooter/skateboard and walk it the rest of the way to school. There are so many things that can happen in a split second during drop-off and pick-up times. Car doors can open that you weren’t expecting and crosswalks are busy.
- Always wear your helmet.
School-Zone Driver Safety
- Remember – the speed limit is 30 km/hr in school zones on school days.
- Respect designated drop-off and pick-up areas and have your child exit and enter the vehicle on the side of the car closest to the sidewalk.
- If they are dropped off across the street, remind them not to jaywalk and ask them to go to the nearest crosswalk.
- Don’t double park, even for a moment. It blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.
- Don’t drive around cars that are stopped. There’s a reason why they’re stopped, and it’s likely to let a child cross in front of them.
- Don’t attempt a U-turn or three-point turn — these are dangerous manoeuvres that can confuse other drivers and pedestrians.
Other Resources
The City of St. Albert has compiled valuable resources that you'll find useful: