REGINA, Sask. — A new Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) study is raising concerns about pedestrian safety near schools after documenting 660 near collisions between vehicles and pedestrians at monitored crosswalks across the country.
The study used cameras and artificial intelligence to monitor 30 school crosswalks in 11 Canadian cities, including Regina and Saskatoon, over five school days. It found that one in every 84 pedestrians crossing at the monitored locations was involved in a near collision.
The findings did not identify how many incidents occurred specifically in Regina or Saskatoon.
The study found crossings without traffic controls, such as signals, stop signs or roundabouts, had a near-miss rate 20 times higher than those with controls. Crosswalks with zebra markings also had 56 per cent fewer near misses involving turning vehicles.
Locations without school-zone or reduced-speed-zone signs recorded a 67 per cent higher overall conflict rate than those with signage.
“CAA Clubs have been involved in programs to keep our kids safe on the way to school for decades. This study shows there is a lot of work still to do,” said CAA national vice-president Ian Jack.
The national findings come as Saskatchewan recorded 291 pedestrian casualties in 2024, including 10 deaths and 281 injuries, according to the latest complete annual statistics from SGI.
Thirty-five of those pedestrians were under 15 years old. Five were between zero and four years old, including one death, while 30 were between five and 14.
Regina recorded 80 pedestrian collisions in 2024, resulting in 76 injuries and three deaths. Saskatoon recorded 104 pedestrian collisions and 107 injuries, with no pedestrian deaths.
Those city figures include pedestrians of all ages and are not limited to school zones.
Regina school assessment identifies risky behaviours
CAA Saskatchewan conducted a school-zone safety assessment at Argyle Elementary School in Regina on May 21, 2025, alongside school staff, the City of Regina and Regina Police Service.
During two observation periods covering morning arrival and afternoon dismissal, volunteers recorded 471 risky behaviours and infractions. Jaywalking and speeding were among the most common concerns.
The assessment also identified U-turns, illegal parking and stopping in no-stopping areas as key motorist behaviours that can put students at risk.
“Thanks to the CAA app and volunteers we were able to get the information we needed to communicate with families and the community to make our very busy intersections safer for our students,” said Argyle vice-principal Chris Weber.
CAA Saskatchewan offers school-zone safety assessments at no cost to schools. The program uses volunteers to identify potential hazards and help communities determine where improvements may be needed.
Regina and Saskatoon have safety measures in place
Both Regina and Saskatoon have school and playground zones with posted 30 km/h speed limits in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, year-round. Both cities also restrict U-turns in school zones.
Regina says all school-zone crosswalks have been upgraded with zebra markings. The city's Vision Zero work also includes school-zone safety audits and plans for additional pedestrian and cycling safety measures.
Saskatoon has also introduced measures to improve visibility around crossings, including restrictions on stopping and parking near marked pedestrian crosswalks.
Funding for further improvements has been allocated through SGI's Provincial Traffic Safety Fund. Regina received $100,000 for school-zone markings, driver-feedback signs and overhead flashing LED signs. Saskatoon received $67,000 for a pedestrian crossing device at 33rd Street and Avenue B.
The projects were scheduled for completion in 2026.
The CAA study points to the importance of safer crossing infrastructure, improved visibility and reduced vehicle speeds around schools. However, its published national results do not provide a city-by-city breakdown of near collisions, leaving unanswered questions about how often those incidents happen at Regina and Saskatoon school crossings.
