Getting school-ready? Easier said than done. Between the breakfast scramble and a mad dash out the door, it can feel like a miracle to hit the road on time. That’s why we want to help parents and students navigate the school zone like a pro, with the School Zone ABCs. 

A – ALWAYS PLAN AHEAD 

Plan ahead by preparing lunches and packing backpacks the night before. Map out your route to school and set a departure time to avoid feeling rushed. 

B – BE ALERT 

Parents: Avoid distractions while driving, like eating or drinking behind the wheel. Check your blind spots frequently for pedestrians and cyclists.

Students: Whether walking to school or heading to the bus stop, always be aware of your surroundings. 

C – CROSS THE STREET WITH CAUTION 

Parents: Slow down in school zones. Watch for “no stopping” and “no parking” signs and remember U-turns are not permitted in school zones.

Students: Stop, look, listen, and think before crossing the road. Keep an eye out for CAA School Safety Patrollers who help guide students to and from school but remember, they’re not a substitute for practicing good safety habits.

“I just want to make sure other kids get to school safe,” reflects Harry Kangles on his time as a CAA School Safety Patroller at Ethel Milliken Elementary School. “Sometimes drivers go fast, or don’t stop, and I think people forget how important it is to be careful.” 

From everyday tips to real-world impact, safe habits in school zones aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. 
 
While the School Zone ABCs offer simple ways to stay safe, the numbers show why these habits matter. CAA’s latest School Zone Safety Assessments reveal that school zones remain a hotspot for unsafe habits, with a total of 931 daily instances recorded in the 2024-25 CAA School Zone Assessments.  

"These findings are a wake-up call for all road users. With a new school year underway and excited students returning to the classroom, it’s more important than ever to build safe habits—especially in school zones, where students are among the most vulnerable," said Angel Blair, Manager of Communications and Public Relations for CAA Saskatchewan. 

Safe driving does not stop at city limits. The CAA School Zone Assessments highlight the need for strong safety habits in rural and urban school zones alike.

“Safety in school zones doesn’t happen by accident,” said Bonnie Lingenfelter, spokesperson for the Town of Shaunavon. “We’ve added new safety equipment, but it’s up to everyone on the road to stay alert and do their part to keep school zones safe all year.” 

The 2024–25 CAA School Zone Safety Assessments show that most unsafe driving in school zones happens because of speeding, not stopping when they should, and breaking traffic rules. These three problems made up 95% of all unsafe driving behaviours.  

But motorists weren’t the only ones to look out for. Pedestrians were observed jaywalking and crossing without looking both ways, while cyclists were seen riding without helmets and failing to dismount when crossing the street.  

For detailed results from the School Zone Safety Assessments and to request a free CAA School Zone Safety Assessment, visit caask.ca/schoolzonesafety. 

For more information on the CAA School Safety Patrol program, please visit caask.ca/patrollers.  

CAA Saskatchewan is committed to supporting safer school zones across the province. By working together, communities can help protect students and promote lifelong safety habits. Thank you for helping to improve the safety of our school zones!  

For further information, contact:  

Angel Blair
Manager, Communications & Public Relations 
CAA Saskatchewan 
306.216.7362 
angel.blair@caask.ca