How to prevent accidents during the back-to-school season

Increased traffic means increased risk of accidents

The start of the school year also means heavier traffic. More vehicles during rush hours. Busier sidewalks. Children are back on the streets.

Some are walking to school or to the bus stop for the first time without the watchful eye of their parents. Others are distracted... playing, daydreaming, unaware of potential dangers.  

It’s up to us, the adults, to adopt safe driving habits to prevent incidents and protect the next generation. 

Leave earlier to avoid delays and reduce stress.

School zone or danger zone?

• Between 2012 and 2018, there were 6,038 accidents in Quebec school zones between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 and 6:00 p.m.
• The result? 2 deaths, 47 serious injuries and 1,338 minor injuries.
• Every year, about 313 children aged 5 to 12 are injured.
• In 2023, 320 collisions involving school buses were reported. 

School zones: everything you need to know 

Some rules become even more important when school resumes. They are stricter in school zones. How can you identify a school zone? Look for yellow signs with child icons. 

In school zones, speed limits are usually 30 km/h during school hours. Flashing signs often remind you to slow down. A little friendly advice? Ease off the gas. 

Speeding fines can double, and you can lose many more demerit points. 

See yellow or white stripes on the road? You have to stop if someone is about to cross, even if the child hesitates or moves slowly. If a person clearly shows their intention to cross (by hand signal or eye contact), they have the right of way and you must come to a full stop.    

The same type of caution is required around school buses. It’s prohibited by law to pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing. You must stop and keep a 5-metre distance between your vehicle and the bus.

Exercise caution, at all times 

Safe driving is crucial not just near schools, but everywhere! 

Children can appear suddenly, at any moment. They run, they play… and sometimes forget the rules. 

So even outside of school zones, stay alert: 

• Respect speed limits and slow down when you see children. 
• Avoid distractions behind the wheel, so no phones, texting, loud music, etc.
• Respect pedestrian right-of-way, even if they seem unsure. 

Pay extra attention during school start and end times. Heavier traffic means more unpredictable behaviour. 

Dropping your kids off at school? Choose a safe drop-off spot. Avoid stopping abruptly or double parking. 

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility

When everyone works together—drivers, parents, and children—we can prevent the worst. 

We all have a role to play. Behind every steering wheel is a choice that can protect a child. 

Spread the word, starting with your children. Teaching them caution is protecting them. The more we adopt safe driving habits, the safer our streets become.