Another back-to-school article?  Yes, with some facts to ponder:

• According to Transport Canada, 17 pedestrian children were killed in collisions in 2005.  Another 212 pedestrian children aged 5-14 were seriously injured that year.¹ 
• The Alberta Government reports that “throughout the province, traffic injuries are the leading cause of death and a leading cause of hospitalization to children younger than 14”.²
• In most school bus incidents, injuries are not caused by collisions.  Children are most often injured when outside the bus, “including being hit by their own bus or other vehicles” ¹.

Here’s a reminder to pay extra attention while driving this month, and a quick refresher on school-related traffic rules.

Don’t Speed

We’re all busy.  We have places to go, and many things to do.  Allow plenty of time to travel and obey all speed limits. ²

• SCHOOL ZONES in Alberta: The maximum speed is 30 km/hr.  In many locations, signs indicate that this limit is in effect from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on school days.  When times are not posted, the 30 km/hr limit applies on school days from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
• PLAYGROUND ZONES in Alberta:  The maximum speed is 30 km/hr from 8:30 AM until one hour after sunset every day, unless otherwise posted.
• SPEED LIMITS in Alberta:  Where not posted, speed limits are as follows:
  • 100 km/hr on primary highways located outside urban areas,
  • 80 km/hr on other, non-primary highways outside urban areas,
  • 50 km/hr within urban areas.

Watch for Pedestrians

• The Alberta Motor Association reports that more than 17,000 school crossing guards will be patrolling crosswalks at over 500 Alberta schools.  Motorists must follow their directions. ³
• You’ll also find pedestrians crossing at unpatrolled crosswalks, intersections, or between intersections.  Be alert, and expect to come upon children or adults crossing at any time.

Know What To Do When Encountering A School Bus

What do alternating flashing lights on a school bus mean?  Are school bus rules the same on all roads?  If you’re not certain, refresh your knowledge of school bus rules for Alberta roadways⁴.

• On an UNDIVIDED road: 
  • Flashing AMBER lights are a warning that the flashing red lights will soon come on and the bus will stop.  Slow down when approaching the bus from either direction, and be ready to stop.  You can pass the bus, with caution, if the amber lights are flashing.
  • Alternating flashing RED lights mean that the bus has stopped to load or unload children.  Drivers must stop their vehicles before reaching the school bus.  Stop at least 20 metres in front of, or behind, the bus.

• On a DIVIDED highway with median: 
  • If you are approaching the bus from behind, the rules are the same as above.  Be prepared to stop if the amber lights are flashing.  Come to a complete stop at least 20 metres behind the school bus if alternating RED lights are flashing.
  • “If you are approaching a school bus from the front on a highway physically divided by a median and the bus has its alternating flashing RED lights on, you may proceed.  Remember: these rules apply on both urban and rural roads.”

Other Tips

• Watch also for bicycles, motorcycles, skateboards and other modes of transport.
• Educate your children about traffic safety and encourage safe behaviour.  Help them plan a safe route home from school, and point out hazards to them.
• Be aware that there are new drivers on the road, and be patient.
• Before driving in other provinces or countries make sure you know the local traffic rules, including those about school zones, crosswalks and school buses.

Useful References

1. “Getting Safely to School and Home Again”, Canada Safety Council, 2007, www.safety-council.org
2. “Back-to-school preparations ready students for new year”, Alberta Government Information Bulletin, August 24, 2007, www.alberta.ca  
3. AMA eNews, September 2007, Alberta Motor Association.
4. Basic Licence Driver’s Handbook, Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation, May 2006.
5. “Sending Students Back to School Safely: Commuting and Travel Safety Tips for Parents and Students”, American Red Cross, www.redcross.org

This article is provided as introductory information only.  Cited references, and other literature, should be consulted for complete details.  Article Reproduced by Guzzardi & Associates with Permission.  Copyright 2007 Escalade Services Group Inc.