Island students return to school this week, and Islanders are reminded to use extra caution when driving in areas where children are likely to be waiting for buses or walking to school, says Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Doug Currie.
“More than 19,000 students ride the bus to school every day and their safety is our collective responsibility,” said Minister Currie. “With buses back on the road, Islanders should slow down and pay careful attention to students getting on and off the bus.”
Passing a school bus when its lights are flashing is dangerous and illegal. Drivers should slow down when the amber lights flash and come to a full stop when red lights appear. When approaching a school bus with red lights flashing, drivers must stop at least six metres (20 feet) from the front or rear of the bus, and remain stopped until the flashing red lights stop.
“Passing a bus illegally endangers the lives of students, and drivers who fail to stop could be hit with a $5,000 fine and a loss of eight demerit points,” said Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Paula Biggar. “Drivers should slow down, leave the phone alone, and pay special attention to the road, bus stops and crosswalks.”
Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about safe practices when getting on and off the bus. Children should always look both ways before crossing the road. They should wait on the side of the road until the bus comes to a full stop, the red lights begin flashing and the bus’s safety arm is fully extended.
School bus driver Ben Gendron asks Island drivers to pay particularly close attention when driving at around 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. when buses are doing their pickups and drop-offs. “Children are unpredictable. People drive too fast, they take chances, follow too close, they don’t pay attention. Give us room to work because we work with kids. Stay back and relax.”
For more information on school bus safety and other back to school tips, visit www.princeedwardisland.ca/backtoschool