With the new school year just around the corner, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and the City of Yellowknife are joining forces for the first time to promote a shared Back to School Safety Campaign reminding drivers, parents, and students to stay alert and stay safe.

This coordinated effort builds on year-round safe driving campaigns with a special focus on school zones, road safety, and child protection at the start of the school year. Messaging will focus on key safety areas including:

• School Zone Awareness – Slow down and follow posted speed limits.
• Pedestrian Safety – Stay alert, check for oncoming vehicles, and cross only at approved crossings.
• Bicycle Safety – Always wear helmet, follow traffic signs, and ride on the right side of the road.
• Distracted Driving – Stay focused behind the wheel and avoid using phones or other distractions.
• Crossing Safety – Watch for and yield to children crossing, especially at unmarked or unsupervised locations.
• Child Car Seat Safety – Ensure children are secured in properly installed and fitted car seats.
• School Bus Safety – Obey the law when school buses are stopped with flashing lights.

This is the first time these three partners have come together to promote this campaign in a coordinated way, and they’re asking residents to get involved by sharing the messages and promoting safety with their own families and in their own communities.

How you can help:

• Share safety messages on your social media or in community newsletters.
• Display safety posters in schools, businesses, and public spaces.
• Talk to your kids about how to stay safe on the way to and from school.

Quotes

“Ensuring the safety of our children as they return to school is a shared priority. By working together, the GNWT, RCMP, and the City of Yellowknife are sending a strong message: keeping kids safe is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re behind the wheel, walking to school, or waiting at the bus stop – let’s all do our part to keep kids safe.”

• Vince McKay, Minister of Infrastructure

“Pedestrian safety is one of the City’s top traffic safety priorities. The Municipal Enforcement Division (MED) follows the City Council’s By-law Enforcement Policy and MED Strategic Priorities, with a focus on monitoring school zones. Safe driving is your responsibility and ensures that the youngest Yellowknife residents start and end the day safe.”

• Mayor Ben Hendriksen, City of Yellowknife

“Road safety is one of the top priorities of the Northwest Territories RCMP. As students return to school, we are asking all drivers to be extra alert behind the wheel. Watch out for little ones, obey traffic rules, and respect speed limits in school zones. Together, with the GNWT and the City of Yellowknife, we are counting on drivers to make this back-to-school season a safe one.”

• Superintendent Chris Romanchych, Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations, G Division RCMP

“As the school year begins, let’s remember that our children’s safety depends on all of us. Whether you’re driving, biking, or walking, please slow down, stay alert, and follow the rules in school zones. A few extra seconds of caution can make all the difference in getting every student to and from school safely.”

• Mayor Dana Fergusson, Town of Fort Smith

Quick facts

• Statistics from the Canadian Automobile Association and Transport Canada:
  • September is a dangerous month for pedestrians, with more fatalities occurring during this month than any other.
  • Nearly a quarter of drivers say they have witnessed a near miss or collision in a school zone, more than half of which involved a child.
  • Nearly half of Canadians say they witnessed a distracted driver in a school zone.
  • Almost 6 in 10 Canadians say there are more unsafe driving practices in school zones today than in the past.
  • 70% of Canadians say they have witnessed speeding in school zones.
  • Top three unsafe motorist behaviours seen in Canadian school zones are speeding, illegal parking/stopping and distracted driving.

Related links

• GNWT School Zones
• City of Yellowknife Traffic and Parking Enforcement
• Northwest Territories RCMP | Royal Canadian Mounted Police
• CAA – Getting to School Safely

For media requests, please contact:
Department of Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories
INF_Communications@gov.nt.ca