This release was issued under a previous government.

Give kids a brake

What is the most common error involving collisions with school buses?

  1. Speeding
  2. Following too closely
  3. Improper Turn
  4. Stop sign violation

The answer is 2, following too closely, although all four are dangerous.

Drivers play an important role in back to school safety. They need to be alert and use extra caution in school zones, near school buses and near playgrounds. Likewise, students need to be aware of traffic safety rules however they arrive at school – whether as pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders or school bus passengers. 

“Twice a day, every day during the school year, more than 6,000 school buses in Alberta safely transport almost 300,000 children to and from school. Let’s make sure each and every trip is a safe one.”

Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation

Back to School Facts

  • More than 70 per cent of casualty collisions and nearly 90 per cent of property damage collisions involving a school bus occurred in urban areas.
  • The penalty for failing to stop for a school bus with its alternating flashing red lights activated is $543 and six demerit points.
  • On average each year, nearly 250 children under 15 years of age are killed or injured as pedestrians or cyclists.
  • School buses in Alberta travel an estimated 450,000 kilometres a day – that’s more than 10 times around the earth.