Bonnyville – With students back in class and school parking lots once again packed during drop-off and pickup, Bonnyville RCMP are reminding drivers that a few extra seconds of patience can prevent a collision.

The beginning of the school year means more vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and school buses are sharing the roads around Bonnyville schools, particularly during the busy morning drop-off and afternoon pickup periods.

RCMP are asking drivers to slow down, stay alert and expect children to move unpredictably around vehicles.

Parents and caregivers are also being reminded to follow designated drop-off areas and obey no-parking and no-stopping signs, along with any directions provided by school staff or traffic-control personnel.

Police say drivers should never stop in travel lanes, crosswalks, intersections or bus zones to drop off or pick up a child.

Whenever possible, children should also exit a vehicle on the sidewalk or curbside rather than stepping out into traffic.

Keeping crosswalks and designated crossings clear is another priority. Vehicles stopped too close to a crossing can make it difficult for drivers to see children and for pedestrians to see approaching traffic.

And with the inevitable back-to-school traffic jams, RCMP have one more message: don’t rush.

Drivers are being asked to avoid aggressive driving or unsafe manoeuvres to get around other vehicles during congested drop-off and pickup times.

Phones should also stay out of drivers’ hands while behind the wheel.

RCMP say children can be present around schools even when a drop-off area doesn’t appear busy, and drivers should always be prepared for someone to unexpectedly enter the roadway.