Blog Details

  • Sat Aug 23
  • by admin

iDrive Safely Back to School Awareness

Here's a clear and informative Back to School Awareness Guide for Drivers in Calgary, and other surrounding areas in Alberta, including school and playground zone times, pedestrian safety, and tips for parents and drivers.

🚸 iDrive Safely Back to School Awareness

With the new school year beginning, it’s critical for drivers and parents to stay alert and follow safety rules to protect children on their way to and from school.

📍 School Zone Times in Calgary

School zones in Calgary have specific speed limits and times during which they are enforced:

  • Speed Limit: 30 km/h

  • Effective Days: Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays)

  • Hours: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM

🚨 Reminder: These hours are longer than in some other provinces. Calgary enforces the school zone limit well into the evening.

🛝 Playground Zone Times in Calgary

  • Speed Limit: 30 km/h

  • Effective Days: Every day, including weekends and holidays

  • Hours: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM

📌 Playground zones stay in effect year-round, unlike school zones that follow the school calendar.

🏫 School Zones (Alberta Rules)

  • Speed Limit: 30 km/h

  • Times in Effect:

    • 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

    • 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

    • 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Days in Effect: Monday to Friday, September through June (unless otherwise posted)

⚠️ Some municipalities may have different times – check your local bylaws (e.g., Edmonton vs. Calgary).

🛝 Playground Zones (Alberta Rules)

  • Speed Limit: 30 km/h

  • Times in Effect: 8:30 a.m. to 1 hour after sunset, every day of the year.

  • Applies Even on Weekends & Holidays

🚗 Driver Tips in School & Playground Zones

  1. Slow Down and Drive to Conditions: Always reduce speed in marked zones. Go slower than the posted limit if visibility is poor or the area is crowded.

  2. Look Ahead and Scan the Environment:  Be alert for crossing guards, school patrollers & pedestrians and watch for children darting into traffic or walking between vehicles.

  3. No U-Turns or Illegal Parking: Avoid stopping or turning around in school zones. It’s dangerous and often illegal.

  4.  Make Eye Contact: If possible, make eye contact with pedestrians to confirm they see you. Don’t assume someone will stop or yield just because you’re in a vehicle.                           

  5. Watch for School Buses: Flashing red lights mean STOP – from both directions unless the road is divided.

  6. Obey All Signs: Follow school and playground zone signs even if the school appears quiet.

  7. Avoid Distracted Driving: Put your phone away and keep distractions to a minimum.

  8. Avoid Passing: If a vehicle stops in front of you or in the lane next to you, they may be yielding to a pedestrian, so proceed with caution and be prepared to stop.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parent Drop-Off and Pick-Up Tips

  1. Use Designated Drop-Off Zones: Don’t stop in no-stopping areas or block driveways.

  2. Stay in Your Vehicle: If possible, let your child exit/enter from the passenger side.

  3. Be Quick but Safe: Minimize delay but ensure children are safely on the sidewalk before driving off.

  4. Walk Younger Children In: Especially for kindergarten or early elementary students.

  5. Avoid Double Parking: It blocks views and creates hazards for other kids.

🚶 Pedestrian Safety Tips (For Drivers & Parents)

For Drivers:

  • Always yield at crosswalks.

  • Be aware of unmarked crossings, especially in residential areas.

  • Avoid passing vehicles stopped at crosswalks – they may be yielding to pedestrians.

For Parents/Students:

  • Cross only at marked crosswalks or corners.

  • Look both ways – even if there's a crossing guard.

  • Teach kids eye contact with drivers before stepping out.

  • Avoid distractions like phones or earbuds while crossing.

🛑 Key Reminders for Everyone

  • Fines Double in school and playground zones if you're caught speeding.   
                             
  • Be Proactive and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

  • Police and Peace Officers increase enforcement during back-to-school weeks.

  • Stay patient – a few extra minutes could save a life.

  • Before getting into your vehicle, walk around it to make sure there are no small children hidden from your view. Always look for pedestrians prior to backing.

By following these guidelines, you can contribute to a safer driving environment for yourself and others this school year. Let’s keep the roads safe for everyone.

           For more information to learn more about proactive driving, why not book an in-vehicle or classroom lesson with us…