FORT McMURRAY, Alta. — November 2, 2026. Wood Buffalo RCMP is reminding drivers, students and pedestrians to take extra care around school zones, particularly as shorter winter days affect visibility.
In a safety advisory issued Monday, police reminded motorists that the posted speed limit in school zones is 30 km/h on school days between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., unless the signs indicate otherwise. Drivers should follow the signs at each location.
School-zone reminders for drivers
- Watch for school-zone signs and the times they apply.
- Put phones away and avoid distracted driving.
- Do not stop in travel lanes, crosswalks, intersections, bus zones or other prohibited areas.
- Approach crosswalks carefully and yield to pedestrians.
- Keep designated crossings clear so people on foot and approaching drivers can see one another.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop, particularly when children may emerge unexpectedly between vehicles.
Advice for students and pedestrians
RCMP also encourages pedestrians to use designated crossings, obey crossing guards and look both ways before crossing. Students should make eye contact with drivers before stepping onto the road and put away phones and headphones while crossing. Reflective clothing can help improve visibility during darker winter months.
For non-emergency police matters, Wood Buffalo RCMP can be reached at 780-788-4040 or 310-RCMP (7267), according to the detachment’s published public contact information. Call 911 for emergencies.
Source: Alberta RCMP media relations, “Wood Buffalo RCMP remind motorists and pedestrians about school zones,” November 2, 2026. Official Alberta RCMP website.
Updates and corrections
Further official corrections or updates to this advisory will be recorded here.
