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Safe Driving Practices Around Summer Camp Students
28 July 2025
Every summer, HSE receives incident reports involving near misses between U of A vehicles and children enrolled in summer camps at the university. Incidents often involve kids darting into the street or behind vehicles that are in motion.
If you are operating a vehicle at the university, remember: children may be unpredictable in their actions, difficult to see, and unaware of normal safety precautions at the university. Please review the safe operating requirements below to ensure your safety and the safety of everyone around you.
1. Speed & Control
- Drive at or below posted speed limits and reduce speed further in high pedestrian zones.
- Slow significantly during camp drop off/pick up times, or around blind corners—kids are unpredictable.
- Approach all stop signs and intersections deliberately.
2. Yielding & Interactions with Pedestrians
- Always yield to pedestrians at both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Children may not be aware of the rules.
- Do not pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk—someone you can’t see may be crossing.
- Make eye contact—never assume a child sees you or understands your actions.
3. Stay Alert & Minimize Distractions
- Distracted driving (phone, eating, etc.) is a major cause of collisions—avoid being inattentive, especially with child pedestrians.
- Inside the vehicle: ensure visibility—clean windshield, headlights, taillights, brake lights.
4. Situational Awareness
- Expect the unexpected: children may dart out between parked vehicles or from behind obstacles. Slow around parking lots and vehicle traffic zones.
- Exercise care when turning—cars may be hidden or children might step into the street mid‑turn.
What if an incident happens?
If you are involved in a vehicle-related incident (including a near miss), report it to your supervisor and to HSE using the . A ccid is required to submit a report form. Where possible, collect contact information from the camper and/or camp instructor to include in the form.
For more information about incidents and safe operation of vehicles, contact hse.info@ualberta.ca.
