Traffic Safety

Slow Down. Stay Alert. Together, We Can Make School Zones Safer.

Everyone deserves to feel safe in and around our schools, whether they are learning, working, playing or visiting.

Each day, thousands of students, staff, families and community members travel through SD43 school zones. By slowing down, staying alert and following the rules, we can all help make these areas safer.

We encourage families, staff and community members to review and share these important safety reminders. Together, we can help ensure everyone slows down, looks around and travels safely in and around our schools.

The Laws

A 30 km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on regular school days and at designated summer learning sites when programs are in session, unless otherwise posted.
Using a mobile device while driving is illegal and dangerous for everyone. Don't do it!
The posted speed limit in playground zones is 30 km/h from dawn to dusk, every day of the year, not just on school days.
By law, drivers are required to have their lights on between a half hour after sunset and a half hour before sunrise, or whenever they cannot see clearly due to weather conditions. That said, it is recommended to drive with your headlights on at all times.
The painted yellow curb lines that prohibit parking in front of a school are there for a reason: to ensure that drivers' vision and their ability to spot children on the sidewalk or roadway is not impeded.
Stopping or parking in prohibited areas is illegal.
Pedestrians must use marked crosswalks and not cross mid-block, diagonally or "j-walk".
When dropping off and picking up children, please use your school's proper drop-off and pick-up areas and follow the school's rules.
Allow children to exit your car on the side closest to a sidewalk area.
Be patient while parents/guardians drop their children off or pick them up.
Only stop or park in designated stopping areas or visitor parking spaces.

Tips for Safer Driving, Walking and Cycling

Teach children about road safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Go slower and be extra alert in darkness, rain, ice, and snowy weather conditions.
If you are running late to drop children off at school, or for work, don't rush and speed. It's better to be a few minutes late than to be involved in an accident or injury.
Before getting into your vehicle to leave, walk around it to ensure no small children are hidden from your view. Always look for pedestrians and cyclists when you are backing up.
When walking or cycling be aware of traffic, follow the laws, use crosswalks, and wear bright or reflective clothing.
Pedestrians and cyclists should always cross at a marked crosswalk and not cross mid-block or "j-walk".
Even when crossing in a crosswalk, look both ways before entering the crosswalk and stay alert until you have safely reached the other side.
Do not assume you have the right of way as a pedestrian or cyclist, especially in parking lots.
Do not get distracted using your mobile device or listening to loud music on headphones when walking or cycling.
Report law infractions to the police non-emergency line or make a report to your city bylaw department.
If you are involved in or witness an accident, call 911.

Help us spread the word because together we can make school zones safer!