This release was issued under a previous government.

school bus safety

About 5,000 school buses transport more than 400,000 children to school each day across Alberta. And nearly half of the drivers who have been involved in collisions with those buses committed an error, the most common of which was following too closely. Still, the responsibility to avoid accidents is shared.

“Drivers play a big part in school safety by slowing down and showing extra caution in school and playground zones. At the same time, students need to use caution when riding a bus, walking, cycling, or skateboarding to school.”

Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation

Drivers are also reminded that school zone times are in effect when school is in session. Children can be excited and anxious at this time of year and they might not be paying attention to their own safety and crossing safely.

Back to School facts

  • An average of more than 230 children under 15 were killed or injured as pedestrians or cyclists each year between 2010 and 2014.
  • School buses in Alberta travel an estimated 450,000 kilometres a day – that’s more than 10 times around the Earth.
  • The penalty for failing to stop for a school bus with its flashing red lights activated is $543 and six demerit points.