The Canadian Automobile Association conducted a recent survey that shows parents are reporting an increase in unsafe driving practices in school zones.

The survey asked parents and guardians of children aged four to 13 what they thought of school zone safety and the results were quite concerning. The resounding top two hazardous driving behaviors that motorists perform in a school zone are speeding and distracted driving.

"We all have a part to keep our school zones safe," said Christine Niemczyk, Director of Communications with CAA Saskatchewan. "Let's do that by reducing our speed, observing the posted speed limit, being alert and watching for children crossing the streets. Going back to school is a big step for some kids, it could be their first day in kindergarten or at that school. So they may not have safety on their minds. So let's do what we can to help those kids get to and from school as safely as possible."

With children getting ready to go back to school very soon, it is important for parents and guardians to have a safe drop-off and pickup plan.

Parents and Guardians: Smooth drop-offs start off with stress-free mornings.

• Plan the night before. Help your kids get organized by preparing the next day’s lunch, backpacks, and school
clothes. Also set out breakfast plates, fruit, cereal, etc.
• Start a launch pad. Baskets or bin containers work best.
Organizing experts say having a designated spot in your entryway for things like the kids’ lunch boxes,
backpacks, textbooks, and coats is an effective way to keep things tidy and help make sure no one forgets
anything. Encourage each child to be responsible for their own launch pad.
• Plan your Route: Rushing means making quick and sometimes potentially unsafe decisions.
a) Driving your kids? Know your route and talk with the school administrator in advance to determine drop
off, pick-up, no stopping and parking zones. Park a couple of blocks way to avoid traffic congestion and
safely walk the rest of the way with your children. This also provides an extra dose of exercise.
Avoid texting and other activities that can distract you while you drive. Maintain your speed according
to the posted speed limits.
b) Walking or cycling? Talk with your kids about pedestrian and traffic safety rules.
Cyclists are encouraged to walk their bicycles across intersections. A well-fitted helmet is a must. Find
out what your community’s bylaws for cyclists are and share with your children. Find out in advance
where the bicycle stands are at your child’s school and show your kids how to keep their bikes locked up
and secured safely. For more tips on bike safety, click here.
c) Good walking gear is important including comfortable shoes with traction.
Plan your child’s walking route to school and walk with them to better familiarize themselves with the
school and surrounding area. Always have an older student or adult walk with younger children. Watch
for CAA School Safety Patrollers. These young and dedicated volunteers monitor school crossings by
ensuring their peers and all students cross roads safely and responsibly near their school. All CAA School
Safety Patrollers wear bright vests designed with safety and visibility in mind. Remind your kids to never
run out in traffic or between parked cars, buses or buildings. Please have your kids store their mobile
devices in their back packs so they can remain alert and be aware of their surroundings. 
d) Are kids being bussed? Almost a third of Canadian students ride a school bus or van.
Help your kids be on time for pick-ups, while waiting in a safe place that’s well back from the edge of the
road. Remind them to cross in front of the bus and never behind. Students should use their indoor
voices in the vehicle and always stay seated facing forward.

Motorists: Observe and obey the posted speed limits.

a) Drivers, learn the rules of the road for your community to help keep the roads safe.
School zone speed limits can vary by location and time of year. Schools, community centres, playgrounds
and parks are hubs of activity where kids are out playing even after school, during school breaks, and on the
weekends. Take it slow. When a driver hits a pedestrian at 30 kilometres per hour, the person will be injured,
but the chances of severe injury or death are greatly reduced. Even going up to 40 kilometres an hour
increases this risk.
b) Be Alert. Anything that takes your focus away from the road counts as distracted driving.
Texting is especially risky as drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be in a crash or near-collision event.
While driving, do not text, use apps or read emails. Avoid eating and drinking when you’re behind the wheel.
c) Timing is everything. Allow students and their families’ proper time to safely cross the streets.
Sometimes pedestrians need a little more time to safely cross at intersections. Be patient. Always stop for
school buses that are loading or unloading students. Be aware of the CAA School Safety Patrollers on duty
and please obey their instructions.

"Most children nowadays do have a mobile phone, so just put that phone away when they are walking, cycling or even bussing to school," added Niemczyk. "What that can do is give that child time to focus on the job of getting to school and getting home safely. So being aware and alert of their situation and their environment."

Motorists need to watch their speed near playgrounds or any place that children could be playing or conjugating as well.