Alberta students return to school with safety patrollers

Students across Alberta have returned to classes for the new school year, marking the return of student safety patrollers to crosswalks. In Edmonton, schools like Belmead School have resumed operations with a focus on a disruption-free year following previous teacher strikes.

The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) continues its 85-year tradition of training Grade 5 students to serve as safety patrollers. According to AMA school safety patrol coordinator Allison Purcell, the program has maintained a record of zero serious injuries or fatalities while patrollers are active in crosswalks.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Lethbridge Police Service, are increasing presence to ensure road safety. Authorities are utilizing both conventional and automated enforcement to remind drivers to slow down and obey commands from student patrollers to protect pedestrians during the school commute.