Back to School Safety
Alberta Health Services EMS would like to remind parents and students of safety tips as the school year begins again this fall. Pedestrians and motorists both have a key role to play – road safety is a shared responsibility.
Motorists
- Distracted driving carries a $300 fine and three demerit points in Alberta. Avoid the use of mobile devices or engaging in any other behavior that diverts your attention away from driving;
- Give right-of-way to pedestrians who have activated overhead crossing lights, or who are waiting to cross from a street corner;
- Other than parked cars, it is illegal to pass another vehicle in a school or playground zone during posted hours.
Pedestrians
- Cross only at marked crosswalks, or street corners that have clear visibility from all directions;
- Make eye contact with all drivers before crossing the street, and keep distractions to a minimum;
- When activating overhead crossing lights, pause before stepping off the curb to ensure motorists in both directions have come to a complete stop;
- Stay within the crosswalk lines;
- Obey pedestrian lights at intersections. Cross the street only when you see the ‘walk’ sign and only when all vehicles have come to a complete stop;
- If you are with young children or pets, hold your child’s hand firmly and keep a solid grip on leashes when crossing;
- Remember: children learn by observing. By demonstrating safe crossing habits, you can reduce the chances of your child being involved in a preventable auto/pedestrian collision.