As Calgary gears up for another school year, drivers are being urged to slow down, while students are reminded to look both ways before crossing the street.
Over the past two years, the City of Calgary has made traffic safety a priority, completing or nearing the completion of improvements at more than 50 schools. With back-to-school season bringing more vehicles and pedestrians onto the roads, the Calgary Police Service is focusing efforts on keeping everyone safe, particularly around schools.
Since 2020, some alarming speeds have been recorded in 30 km/h zones, including one at 105 km/h and two others at 100 km/h. Across most of Alberta, “school zones” and “playground zones” now share the same hours — typically from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, unless signage states otherwise. The speed limit in these areas is always 30 km/h, but exact rules can vary by municipality, so drivers are reminded to check posted signs.
To reduce congestion during pick-up and drop-off times, parents are encouraged to use designated “hug-and-go” or “park-and-walk” areas. Each school may have its own preferred locations, so it’s best to confirm with school staff.
Safety measures already in place include curb extensions, flashing beacons, improved signage, and in-street school zone signs. School boards work closely with safety partners to identify and address problem areas, though costs are always a factor. Temporary solutions may cost only a few thousand dollars, while permanent installations can run 10 to 15 times higher.
Anyone with concerns about traffic safety near schools is encouraged to contact their school board or call 311 to submit a request to the City of Calgary.
Pedestrian safety
A recent City of Calgary Safer Mobility report shows the city’s pedestrian casualty rate is about 31 per 100,000 people. While this is below the national average of 52 per 100,000, 31 is still far too many.
Speed remains one of the most critical factors in pedestrian safety. Research indicates that strict compliance with speed limits could reduce injuries and fatalities by as much as 70 per cent. Driving just 10 km/h over the posted limit carries the same risk of causing injury or death as driving at the legal blood alcohol limit.
Vehicle type also plays a major role. In Alberta, larger SUVs and pickup trucks are common, but studies show they are far more lethal to pedestrians than smaller vehicles. According to an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study in Michigan, at speeds above 30 km/h, 30% of pedestrian crashes involving SUVs or trucks were fatal, compared with 23% involving cars. At 64 km/h, all three SUV crashes in the study were fatal, compared with 54% of car crashes.
The risk is highest at intersections. Left turns by SUVs, vans, and trucks are three to four times more likely to result in a pedestrian death than turns made by smaller vehicles. A poorly executed right turn by a pickup truck increases the chance of killing a pedestrian by 89%, and by 63% for an SUV. Overall, SUVs and trucks are 51% and 21% more likely to fatally strike pedestrians walking or running along roads as compared to cars.
In Alberta, the consequences for striking a pedestrian vary with the severity of the incident and driver behavior. Both criminal and civil penalties may apply. The province averages around 500 pedestrian-involved crashes every year, and drivers are nearly always considered at fault. Those found responsible can be liable for medical costs, lost wages, long-term care needs, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Liability coverage in your auto insurance typically provides legal defense, but such claims almost always lead to higher premiums. If alcohol, drugs, distraction, or dangerous driving are involved, criminal charges and even jail time are possible.
How to avoid a pedestrian collision
Even when pedestrians make mistakes, drivers must remember they are the most vulnerable on the road. Here are key practices that make a real difference:
- Be vigilant at crosswalks. Pedestrians — especially younger ones — may be distracted or rush into the street as soon as the signal changes. Always anticipate their movement and wait until the intersection is completely clear. At uncontrolled crossings, make eye contact to show you’ve stopped and see them.
- Watch traffic cues. A slowing or stopping vehicle ahead often signals a pedestrian crossing. Recognizing this early allows you to adjust before reaching the intersection.
- Expect jaywalkers. While unsafe, jaywalking is common, and not just in congested areas. If you see someone crossing unexpectedly, reduce speed and prepare to stop. Having the right of way won’t ease the consequences of a serious collision.
- Maintain safe following distances. Tailgating can block other drivers’ views of pedestrians, increasing risk.
- Avoid distractions. Never use handheld devices while driving, keep music volume reasonable, and remain fully focused on the road. A distracted driving conviction is very serious, and could possibly even cause you to lose your insurance coverage.
Protecting pedestrians not only saves lives but also helps keep your Calgary car insurance costs manageable. Defensive driving is always the most affordable, and responsible, choice.
Lane’s Insurance covers alberta
Lane’s Insurance is a full-service, Alberta-based brokerage offering the market’s most competitive rates on auto insurance in Calgary and throughout Alberta. Contact us at our Calgary, Edmonton, Banff or greater Alberta offices to learn how we can better protect you and your family at a lower cost.
