Wood Buffalo RCMP wish to remind citizens that schools are back in session beginning Monday, August 28, 2023 throughout the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB). Drivers are advised to use extra caution and watch out for school children as they travel to and from school. RCMP wish to offer the following traffic safety tips to keep students and drivers safe as we begin a new school year.

The speed limit in school zones is 30 km/hr unless otherwise posted and is in effect on school days from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The speed limit in a playground zone is 30 km/hr unless otherwise posted and is in effect from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

A vehicle is not permitted to pass another vehicle travelling in the same direction in either school or playground zones during the times that these zones are in effect. While it is an unsafe driving habit, it carries a fine of $243.

RCMP wish to share the following Traffic Safety tips for drivers and pedestrians.

Drivers

• Follow posted speed limits at all times, especially in school, playground, and construction zones. There is often foot traffic in these areas.
• Working headlights are required of all drivers to notify you of pedestrians, cyclists and wildlife ahead of you.
• Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Impairment increases the risk of being unable to see pedestrians and slows your reaction time.
• Texting or handling other devices while driving causes you to become less aware of other motorists, upcoming approaches, and pedestrians. Distracted driving is illegal and carries a fine of $300.
• If you are approaching flashing crosswalk lights, or see a pedestrian signalling to cross, come to a complete stop. Look both ways to ensure pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk before proceeding.
• Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk carries a fine of $810.
• Slow down and stop when the school bus activates its alternately flashing red lights. This means you must stop whether you are approaching an oncoming bus or following one. Passing or failing to stop for school bus with alternately flashing red lights carries fines of up to $567.

Pedestrians

• At both marked and unmarked crosswalks, vehicles must yield to pedestrians.
• Making eye contact with drivers ensures they see you. Never assume that a driver will give you the right of way. Be sure to acknowledge the driver before crossing the street.
• Signalling your intent to cross by extending your arm and pointing in the direction you wish to proceed shows drivers that you intend to enter a crosswalk.
• Walking with headphones in or while texting can make you less aware of your surroundings and other road users.
• Don’t cross a street in the middle of the block or between parked cars. Avoid stepping out into the street between two parked vehicles and do not jaywalk. If there are no crossing lights, wait until all vehicles have come to a complete stop before crossing.
• At controlled intersections, ensure you remain stopped until pedestrian lights indicate you can proceed. Pedestrians can face fines for failing to clear the roadway after traffic light turns red or entering the roadway against the pedestrian signal.
• If you are at a pedestrian crosswalk, you are considered a pedestrian. Dismount your bike and walk it across the street.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing in the dark early morning hours and evenings.

Wood Buffalo RCMP and RMWB Bylaw services will be out conducting enforcement activities related to promoting safe driving ensuring both pedestrians and drivers are sharing the road responsibly.