Strathcona County RCMP Partner With Strathcona County Enforcement Services To Share Back-To-School Safety Tips

Aug. 20, 2025

Strathcona County RCMP partner with Strathcona County Enforcement Services to share back-to-school safety tips

Strathcona County, Alta. – With the 2025-2026 school year back in session, Strathcona County RCMP in partnership with Strathcona County Enforcement Services, are reminding everyone to stay alert and share the road safely.

Motorists are reminded that the speed limit in school zones in Strathcona County is 30km/hour on school days between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Whether you’re heading back to school, to work or running an errand, please consider these safety tips.

Tips for drivers:

·         Give yourself extra time. Traffic may be more congested and your drive times may be

·         affected.

·         Watch for pedestrians. There are more kids walking, riding and getting dropped off in

·         school zones. 

·         Slow down. Reduce your speed and obey the signs.

·         Stop for school buses. If a school bus is displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, traffic in both directions you must stop. You may only continue when the lights stop flashing.

·         School buses stop frequently - keep your distance and leave extra room for sudden stops.

·         Obey signage. Don’t stop driving or let kids out of the car in a no stopping zone. Don’t park in a no parking zone. School buses or other school vehicles may need access to these areas to safely unload their student passengers.

·         Drive safely. Never overtake other vehicles and avoid U-turns and three-point turns in school zones or near crosswalks.

·         Avoid distractions and focus on driving. 

Tips for students:

·         Plan your route. It's a good idea to map out your walking route to school ahead of time.

·         Avoid distractions and focus on walking. Put away electronic devices, cell phones and ear buds so you can hear approaching traffic.

·         Don’t jaywalk. Always cross the road at an intersection, cross walk or with a crossing guard.

·         Stop at the curb. Look left and right for oncoming vehicles, then look left over your shoulder for vehicles that might be turning. When the intersection is clear, start crossing and keep looking for approaching vehicles.

·         Make sure all vehicles have stopped before entering the road. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing, even if the walk signal is on.

·         Don’t cut through parked cars. Avoid shortcuts through parking lots or around parked cars where it’s harder for drivers to see you.

"Let’s make the start of the school year a safe one", says Constable Cheri-Lee Smith, Strathcona County RCMP Community Policing. “Whether you’re driving, walking or biking – we all play a role in ensuring the neighbourhoods in Strathcona County are safe”. 

We wish all in the community a safe and fun back-to-school!