Whitecourt RCMP share traffic safety tips for new school year

With many Alberta students returning to school today, the Whitecourt RCMP is reminding the public of a few tips to keep the community safe.

Obey no parking, no stopping and designated drop-off zone signs
Children may move unpredictably; slow down and watch carefully for pedestrians and cyclists
Have children exit on the sidewalk or curb side rather than into traffic
Avoid rushing, aggressive driving or unsafe manoeuvres to get around other vehicles

Helmets should fit snugly, sit level on the head and be secured with the chin strap fastened.
Children should follow traffic signs and signals, yield when required and use designated crossings.
Put phones and other distractions away while riding and keep both hands available to control the bike or scooter.
Use a quality lock and park bikes and scooters in designated, secure locations.
Children should slow down around pedestrians, corners, intersections and areas where visibility is limited.

Slow down near crosswalks and intersections.
Be prepared to stop when approaching a marked crosswalk, even if the pedestrian hasn’t stepped onto the road yet.
Obey crossing guards and yield to pedestrians at all marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Avoid passing other vehicles stopped at a crosswalk, as they may be yielding to someone you can’t see.

If a school bus is stopped with red flashing lights and an extended stop arm, all drivers in both directions must stop, unless the roadway is physically divided by a median.
On divided highways, only vehicles approaching the rear of the bus are required to stop. Oncoming traffic on the opposite side of a physical median is not required to stop.
Do not proceed until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been retracted.
Flashing yellow lights mean the bus is preparing to stop — drivers must slow down and prepare to stop.
Failing to stop for a school bus can result in a fine of up to $567 and six demerit points

Never share personal information such as your full name, address, school or phone number publicly.
Treat others online with the same respect you would in person.
Think before you post — once something is online, it’s hard to remove.
If you are being bullied online, do not respond. Save the evidence, block the person and tell a parent, teacher or trusted adult.
Remember that threats, harassment or sharing intimate images without consent can be criminal offences.