What's Up Now: RCMP Release

Date: August 26, 2025Share

RCMP provide back to school safety tips

Within a few days, St. Albert youth will be heading back to the classroom and St. Albert RCMP want to provide motorists and youth some tips to keep everyone safe this school year.

The excitement of a new school year, along with early mornings and busy routines, can increase distractions behind the wheel. Now is not the time to be complacent. Children can be unpredictable near roadways and intersections, especially when entering or exiting a school bus or crossing the road.

With more foot traffic during morning and afternoon commutes, the risk of a collision increases, largely if drivers or pedestrians are distracted.

To help keep our roads safe for all students, St Albert RCMP offer the following safety reminders:

Driver Safety Tips:

• Obey all school zone speed limits and the time they are in effect.
• If a school bus is stopped, be mindful that students could be entering or exiting the bus. Provide plenty of space for the bus driver and be alert of your surroundings, as children may dart out from the bus.
• Be patient as everyone gets back into their commuting routines.
• Slow down near crosswalks and intersections in and around schools & playground zones.
• Be prepared to stop when approaching a marked crosswalk, even if the pedestrian has not stepped onto the road yet.
• Obey crossing guards and yield to pedestrians at all marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Avoid passing other vehicles stopped at a crosswalk — they may be yielding to someone you cannot see.

Students and Pedestrians Safety Tips:

• Always look both ways before crossing.
• Use designated crosswalks and obey crossing guards.
• Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before stepping onto the road.
• Put away phones and remove headphones while crossing.

St. Albert RCMP Traffic Services Supervisor, Cpl. Curtis Harsulla states, “The St. Albert Traffic Section will be re-commencing traffic strategies, patrols and enforcement to ensure maximum visibility and presence in St. Albert’s school zones. Prevention, Education and Enforcement are the tactics used to ensure a positive and safe school year for everyone.”

For more back to school safety tips follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.

Was this message forwarded to you? Click here to receive messages directly from WhatsUpNow.ca