This release was issued under a previous government.
More than 700,000 Alberta students are returning to class, and almost half of them will be riding about 6,000 school buses. School zones in various jurisdictions across the province are back in effect.
“Drivers need to remember to put the brakes on in school zones and around buses. Heading back to school is an exciting time for kids. Parents and educators should talk to them about road safety so they understand their role in safely getting to school and home at the end of the day.”
Motorists can help prevent collisions by sharing the road and being extra cautious in school zones and around buses. Children may be getting on and off buses and crossing the road in school zones, where lowered speed limits are in effect during school hours.
During the 2014-15 school year, more than 40 per cent of drivers involved in collisions with school buses committed an error – the most common of which was following too closely.
Back to school facts
- 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 flashing red lights is $543 and six demerit points.
- Alternating flashing amber lights means a school bus is slowing down to stop, and drivers should do the same.