This week, children all over Prince Edward Island are returning to school after their summer break. And with that, road users need to pay special attention on Island roads especially near schools and on bus routes.
“The safety of children on Island roads is of utmost importance for this Department and for all Islanders,” says Minister of Transportation and Public Works Ron MacKinley. “We all need to drive safely and follow the rules of the road when school is back in session.”
The Minister has asked the Department’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers to patrol bus routes on high speed roads to help calm traffic during mornings and afternoons. Those officers will also be on the lookout for drivers who break the rules, and they will lay charges under the Highway Traffic Act. Minimum fines of a thousand dollars and eight demerit points will be issued to drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses with red lights flashing.
“Having this kind of presence will go a long way to encouraging safe driving,” says Minister MacKinley.
Children should be encouraged to be safe as they wait for, and prepare to get on, school buses. They should always look both ways before crossing the road. They should also wait on the side of the road until the bus comes to a full stop, the red lights begin flashing, and the bus” safety arm is fully extended.