Province outlines school zone safety, bus etiquette as kids get back into routine

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on September 6, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

With back to school in full swing, the government of Alberta seeks to remind residents of school bus etiquette.

“Kids are excited to be back and may be distracted or move unpredictably as they head to and from school,” said the province. “Afternoon traffic adds to the risk. It’s important for drivers to slow down, monitor crosswalks and school zones carefully, and be prepared for children who may suddenly step into the street.”

Drivers are reminded to watch for alternating flashing amber lights, which means a bus is slowing down to stop so children can get on or off. Once the flashing red lights are activated, all vehicles must stop regardless of which direction they are travelling, unless they are on the opposite side of a divided highway.

Even when lights are not flashing, drivers are asked to keep alert for children who may enter the roadway without warning.

The penalty for failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights is $567 and six demerit points, and no vehicle is permitted to pass or attempt to pass another vehicle travelling in the same direction within a school zone, when the zone is in effect, says the province.

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