As arrival and dismissal times grow busier across Brandon, the Brandon School Division is urging families and caregivers to take extra caution in school zones. With more students walking, biking, or being driven to school, traffic volume has increased steadily in recent years—bringing heightened risks and more reports of unsafe driver behaviour. The Division says community cooperation is essential to keeping students safe.
Across Canada, concerns about school‑zone safety have been mounting. National surveys show that nearly one in four drivers has witnessed a collision or near‑miss in a school zone, with more than half involving a child. Other research indicates that up to 70 per cent of Canadian drivers admit to speeding in school zones at least occasionally. These trends reflect what many Brandon parents have observed: congested streets, impatient driving, and distractions behind the wheel.
Local issues mirror these national patterns. Brandon Police Service receives numerous reports each year about illegal parking, drivers stopping in bus zones, and unsafe manoeuvres during pick‑up and drop‑off times. Officers say these behaviours not only disrupt traffic flow but also create dangerous conditions for children who may be crossing streets or weaving between parked vehicles.
The School Division emphasizes that small changes in driver behaviour can make a meaningful difference. Slowing down through posted zones, obeying signage, avoiding U‑turns, and staying off mobile devices help reduce the likelihood of collisions. Drivers are also encouraged to make eye contact with children crossing streets and to give school buses extra space, especially when their stop arms are extended.
To support families, the Division has shared updated School Zone Safety resources, including tips for drivers and a printable safety brochure. These materials offer guidance on navigating busy areas, choosing safe drop‑off locations, and modelling responsible road behaviour for young students.
Ultimately, the Division says that keeping school zones safe is a shared responsibility. Parents, guardians, students, neighbours, and motorists all contribute to creating an environment where children can travel to and from school without unnecessary risks. With growing traffic around local schools, the call for patience, awareness, and safe driving habits has never been more important.
Community members with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact their child’s school for more information on safety practices and available resources.
