Saskatchewan students return to school next week

The top two hazardous driving behaviours that motorists perform in a school zone, as reported in a recent CAA Study, are speeding and distracting driving. For pedestrians, the top two risky behaviours are jaywalking and failing to look both ways before crossing the street. With students returning to school next week, CAA Saskatchewan has some school zone safety reminders for motorists, students, and parents/guardians.

CAA School Zone Safety Tips for Motorists:

• Observe and obey the posted speed limits and hours that the speed limits are enforced in school zones, parks and playgrounds.
• Be aware of the CAA School Safety Patrollers on duty during school days and follow their instructions.
• Eliminate distracted driving and focus on the task of driving safely.
• Drive according to the weather and road conditions.
• Allow children and families enough time to cross streets safely as intersections can be covered in ice and snow.
• As rows of vehicles wait in school pick-up zones, keep in mind that children may dart out between cars.
• Students may also be obscured by exhaust from idling cars and by snowbanks.

CAA School Zone Safety Tips for Students: 

• Stop, look both ways, listen and think. Ensure any oncoming vehicles have come to a complete stop before walking across the street.
• Don’t use your cell phone for texting, phoning, or playing games, while walking.
• Cross at intersections or at corners. Refrain from jaywalking.
• Never run out in traffic or between parked cars, buses, or buildings.
• Wait for the signal of the on-duty CAA School Safety Patrollers when crossing the street.
• Keep your head up, look around, be alert and aware of your surroundings.

CAA School Zone Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers:

• Obey the ‘no stopping’ and ‘no parking’ zones in front of or near schools.
• Ensure winter apparel such as toques and scarves do not obstruct children’s vision or hearing.
• Always have an adult, older student or sibling, walk with younger children.
• Share the CAA Family Safety Booklet with your loved ones for winter safety tips.

Many schools in Saskatchewan have volunteer CAA School Safety Patrollers on duty. CAA Saskatchewan has owned and managed the CAA School Safety Patrol program since 1951 and approximately 4,600 patrollers from 161 schools representing 71 communities in our province are enrolled in the program. CAA Saskatchewan provides training manuals with patroller exams, patroller handbooks, reflective stop paddles and vests, all at no cost. 

For further information, contact:
Christine Niemczyk, Director of Communications | CAA Saskatchewan
306.791.4327 | christine.niemczyk@caask.ca | caask.ca 

CAA Saskatchewan serves approximately 181,000 Members, offering benefits and services through its non-profit motor club, and through its travel and insurance agencies, as well as the CAA Car Care Centre at Regina Battery Depot. CAA advocates for motorists, pedestrians and travellers, provides consumer education, supports traffic safety programs and addresses related public policy issues