Keeping our communities safe is a priority for CAA. There continues to be a surge in unsafe driving practices within school zones. The two biggest concerns in school zones: speeding and distracted driving. In fact: Distracted driving is the #1 contributing factor in collisions in Saskatchewan.
Statistics show drivers who are distracted are 8 times more likely to be in a crash or near collision compared to non-distracted drivers. Here is some advice that can help everyone—students, parents, and motorists—stay safe this back-to-school season.
Do as much as you can the night before (prepare backpacks and pack lunches), so you feel organized and have more time in the morning. Before you head out the door put away all devices—avoid using your cell phone for texting, phoning, or playing games while walking, driving, or cycling. Remember you are a role model as an adult—set a good example by being ready and focusing on one task at a time.
Decide the route you will take to and from school. Walk with children to help familiarize them with the route. (Discuss the plan and decide: What streets will you travel? What landmarks are nearby? Who can you travel with you? Who is your walking buddy?). Plan to have an adult, older student, or sibling walk with younger children. If driving, consider carpooling or parking a block away, then walk with your child to ease drop-off and pick up traffic.
There is a lot more to crossing the street than just looking both ways. It is important to make eye contact with drivers before you cross the street to ensure they see you.
STOP, THINK, LOOK, and LISTEN before crossing streets and watch for approaching vehicles the entire time you are walking across the intersection.
Learn the traffic laws and teach children the rules of the road. Use designated drop-off zones (ask your school administration if you are unsure). Observe and obey the posted speed limits (some school zones have specific hours that speed limits are enforced). Be aware of school bus loading zones and obey the “no stopping” signs in front of schools. Watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers on duty during school days.
Always use crosswalks to cross the street—never jaywalk. Keep your head up, look around, and be aware of your surroundings. Never run out in traffic or between parked cars, buses, or buildings.
If you are cycling, know and use hand signals. Dismount and walk bikes and scooters across the street. Make sure you can ride safely without clothing and shoelaces dragging or able to catch. Wear your backpack properly so it is secure and won’t pull you or weigh you down on one side.
Learn more at: caask.ca/schoolzonesafety.
School and playground zones are busy with pedestrians and the streets are often congested with traffic. Whether you are walking or driving it is important to know what traffic signs mean and what to do when you see them. Let’s look at some of the most common signs in school zones:
1. No Stopping: You cannot stop your vehicle.
2. No Parking: You can stop but you cannot park or leave your vehicle.
3. Disability Parking: A permit is needed to stop or park here. It is not a drop off or pick up area.
4. School Zones: Be alert and pay attention around schools. Reduce your speed.
5. Playground Zone: Be alert and pay attention near playgrounds. Reduce your speed.
6. U-turns: Making a U-turn is illegal in most Saskatchewan school zones.
7. Bus Parking - No Stopping: This area is for busses to load and unload students. You cannot stop or drop off in this area.
8. Bus Parking - No Parking: This area is for busses to load and unload students. You can drop off and pick up students, but you can not turn off your engine or leave the vehicle.
You can learn more in the Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook.
The CAA School Safety Patrol® (SSP) program, owned and operated by CAA Saskatchewan, began in 1951, and plays a vital role in ensuring safety in school zones.
Student volunteers in grades 4-8 learn about pedestrian and traffic safety, with a primary role of safely guiding other students on their journey to and from school each day.
Patrollers carry stop paddles and wear bright neon vests to be easily identified. By working with local law enforcement and a school coordinator, students learn and demonstrate pedestrian and traffic safety.
Supported by various stakeholders—including CAA Saskatchewan, local police, the RCMP and school staff—the SSP program imparts valuable skills, such as time management and teamwork. Patrollers serve as role models, gaining confidence, and communication abilities. The skills patrollers learn often help them to become influential safety leaders in their communities.
Want to start a CAA School Safety Patrol at your school? Starter kits with training materials, stop paddles, and reflective vests are free of charge.
Learn more at:
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Signs and rules are often different in school zones. You will need to reduce your speed and pay extra attention in these congested areas. Some, but not all schools will have special signage for crosswalks and slowing down traffic flow.
Many school and community groups in Saskatchewan have taken advantage of the CAA School Zone Safety Assessment tool which is a CAA-owned, online application (app) that tracks the identified risky behaviours and ultimately provides education and awareness about the importance of school zone safety.
The assessment tool is free of charge and can be booked through CAA Saskatchewan. The results are collected by CAA and given to the school community to share with staff, students, families, community partners, and decision makers with the sole purpose of making necessary safety improvements in the school zone.
Learn more at: caask.ca/schoolzonesafety
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CAA is a reliable source of information for travelling safely in school zones.
Stay engaged with CAA for all the latest news and advice on safe driving best practices.
Related articles about crosswalk and pedestrian safety in Saskatchewan:
https://www.sasksafety.org/traffic-safety-resources.html
https://sgi.sk.ca/pedestrian-safety
https://skprevention.ca/safety/pedestrian-safety/