Due to COVID-19, some schools are opening this week, others are waiting until September 8, and some are doing a staggered entry.
However, Alberta’s RCMP says students and especially motorists need to be cautious.
Deanna Fontaine, the RCMP K Division’s Corporal for Media Relations says one tip is to be mindful of school zones, where speeds are reduced from 50 kilometres an hour to 30 during school hours.
“School zones are back in effect, and we also have to remember that some of those zones have doubled as playground zones,” says Fontaine.
“Playground zones were in effect for the entire summer, which is half an hour before dawn, and a half-hour after dusk.”
Fontaine also suggests parents have a conversation about school bus safety with their children.
“Other drivers may not have kids in school so it goes both ways,” explains Fontaine.
“Pedestrians have to look for drivers and vice-versa.”
Fontaine’s biggest tip is for children who have a smart phone.
“Keep your eyes off the phone and your eyes on the road please,” stresses Fontaine to students.
“I would ask that you keep your phones in your backpacks, in your pockets, and your eyes on the road. You can look at your devices when you get to school, if your teacher says it’s okay, of course,” concludes Fontaine.
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
