Leduc RCMP urges parents to use caution at school drop-off zones as year begins

Leduc RCMP is asking parents, caregivers, and drivers to exercise extra caution in and around school drop-off areas as the new school year begins, warning that busy zones can become congested quickly and create collision risks.

The force said the start of a new school year brings a surge in traffic—more vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and school buses all sharing the road. Drop-off areas are particularly vulnerable: a few extra seconds of attention can prevent a crash.

Leduc RCMP offered specific guidance: obey no-parking and designated drop-off zone signs; watch carefully for children, who can move unpredictably and are hard to see between vehicles; avoid stopping in travel lanes, crosswalks, or bus zones; have children exit onto the sidewalk or curb rather than into traffic; keep crossings clear so both pedestrians and drivers have sightlines; put phones away to avoid distracted driving; and avoid rushing or aggressive manoeuvres during congested peak times.

The service also emphasized that drivers passing through school zones should expect the unexpected and be prepared to stop, even when a drop-off area appears quiet.

The City of Leduc has proactively enhanced safety near schools by installing zebra crossings, stop signs, pavement markings, retro-reflective sleeves, traffic-calming measures, speed-check signs and flashing beacons. The Safe Routes to School program reviews safety concerns at school sites and adjacent road and pathway networks to identify and address hazards.