Saskatchewan students will be returning to their classrooms starting Wednesday, September 1. Pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle traffic will be on the increase in our school zones. According to CAA’s Vanora Gagnier, “It’s time to talk with our children about their safe routes to school, whether they’re walking, cycling, being bused or driven by family or friends.” 

According to a recent CAA School Zone Safety Assessment conducted in June 2021, driving over the posted speed limit, driving distracted, illegally parking, or parking in a no-stopping area in a school zone were some of the top hazardous driving behaviours. The top risky pedestrian behaviour was jaywalking. To do our part to help keep our school zones safe, CAA has a few safety reminders:  

Parents & Guardians of students using school buses or personal vehicles:

• Know your route and talk with the school administrator in advance to determine drop off, pick-up, no stopping and parking zones.
• Park a couple of blocks way to avoid traffic congestion and safely walk the rest of the way with your children.
• Do not park illegally.
• Help your kids be on time for pick-ups, while waiting in a safe place that’s well back from the edge of the road.
• Don’t walk distracted. Remove headphones, gaming devices and mobile phones. Be alert.
• Remind students to cross in front of the bus and never behind.
• Once on the bus, students should always stay seated facing forward.

caask.ca/schoolzonesafety

Students/Pedestrians:

• Always stop, look both ways, listen and think before safely crossing the street.
• Never run out in traffic or between parked cars, buses, or buildings.
• Parents and caregivers, plan a walking route to school with your kids. Be sure to point out crosswalks, stop signs, traffic lights, and family or friends’ homes. Always have an older student or adult walk with younger children.
• Remember, keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings.
• Walk on the sidewalk and cross at street corners with traffic lights or at a crosswalk.
• Make eye contact with the drivers before proceeding into the intersection.
• Watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers on duty and follow their instructions.
• Eliminate distractions such as using your mobile devices for texting, listening to music, social media, or gaming.
• Good walking gear is important including comfortable shoes with traction.

caask.ca/pedestriansafety

Motorists:

• Maintain your speed according to the posted speed limit.
• Check with your municipality for speed limits and regulation times in school zones, parks, and playgrounds.
• Eliminate distracted driving. Put down that coffee cup or phone and keep your eyes on the road.
• Texting is especially risky as drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be in a crash or near-collision event.
• Always stop for the buses’ flashing lights and wait for children to get safely on or off. Stay alert and watch for children or parents crossing the road when the bus moves on. 
• Be patient. Sometimes pedestrians no matter what age, need a little more time to safely cross at intersections.

caask.ca/safety

Cyclists:

• Plan your ride and avoid dangerous routes.
• It’s important to be seen, be heard and be ready.
• Always signal and share your intentions with others on the road. Obey the rules of the road.
• Wear a properly fitted helmet while cycling. A helmet increases your chances of surviving a fall or collision and helps prevent brain injury.
• Wear proper footwear and keep both feet on pedals.
• Don’t cycle distracted. Never ride your bicycle while wearing headphones or using your phone for texting or gaming.  

caask.ca/bikesafety

For further information, contact:

Vanora Gagnier
Senior Communications Specialist
CAA Saskatchewan
306.216.7362
vanora.gagnier@caask.ca