School Safety Reminder

School Zones

Don't forget, the speed limit is 30 km/h between 8am-4:30pm on school days where school zone signs are posted.

The lower speed limit improves safety around elementary and junior high schools and protects children, our most vulnerable road users.

Why is it important to slow down?

Stopping Distances - Ideal Conditions

• When the roads are wet or icy, you need 5 extra meters at 30 km/h and 10 extra meters at 50 km/h in order to stop safely

Vulnerable Road Users

When children are struck by vehicles, their injuries often result in life threatening or permanent damage. The faster a vehicle is moving, the greater the impact and the more devastating the results.

Children:

• Aged 5 to 14 years are at the greatest risk for pedestrian-related deaths
• Aged 10 to 14 years have the highest incidence of pedestrian-related injuries
• Have difficulty judging the speed and distance of cars
• Believe if they can see a car, the driver can see them
• Assume a car can stop instantly
• Have a limited peripheral vision, and
• Have a limited sense of danger

Caution

Streets around schools are often very congested with parents dropping off their children, and the number and size of vehicles might mean you don’t see kids trying to cross the street.

• Young children may dart out from in between vehicles unexpectedly, so use extra caution particularly during drop off and pick up times
• Speed limits are strictly enforced by both the Edmonton Police Service and the City of Edmonton

Source: City of Edmonton