Back to school: RCMP list the top safety rules for drivers, parents and kids

Alberta RCMP are urging drivers, parents and students to take extra care on the roads as children return to school.

“Back to school can be a busy time,” Sgt. Darrin Turnbull of Alberta RCMP Traffic said Monday. “By following some basic tips and giving yourself extra time, everyone can have a safer commute.”

The force said brightly coloured clothing can help children stay visible when weather or time of day reduces visibility. Parents are encouraged to walk the route to school with their kids at least once, pointing out hazards and showing them how to properly use crosswalks and traffic signals.

Children should be taught to look in all directions before crossing, to only cross at marked crosswalks, and to make sure drivers see them before stepping onto the road. Officers cautioned that kids should never run after a school bus, as neither the driver nor other motorists may see them.

Students who take the bus should be shown a safe place to wait away from traffic. Police noted that parents meeting their children after school should wait at the actual bus stop, not nearby, since kids may forget safety rules and run across the road.

RCMP also warned that texting or using headphones while walking can be dangerous. Distractions may cause children to step into traffic without noticing vehicles.

Motorists are reminded to watch for children when backing out of garages or driveways, and to be mindful that dark mornings and evenings make it harder to see pedestrians.

Officers stressed it is illegal to pass a school bus with flashing red lights. Drivers on both sides of the road must stay stopped until the lights are turned off.

Police urged drivers to slow down in school zones and be alert during drop-off and pick-up times. RCMP added that motorists should never assume pedestrians see them, and should always lock eyes before turning.

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