The safe transport of Island students to and from school is the responsibility of all motorists says Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Ron MacKinley.
“Families across Prince Edward Island rely on school buses to safely deliver students back and forth from school,” says Minister MacKinley. “Motorists have a hand in this by driving safely when sharing the road with school buses.”
School buses are equipped with both amber and red flashing lights to alert motorists when a bus is coming to a stop.
When the amber lights are flashing motorists should be alert for the presence of students on both sides of the road and slow down, preparing to stop. If motorists cannot make a safe stop they should proceed. Passing a school bus when the amber lights are flashing when a stop could be made safely can result in a charge under the Highway Traffic Act.
Flashing red lights will appear when the bus is stopped and students are entering or exiting the bus. When motorists approach a school bus displaying these lights they must stop at least five metres from the front or rear of the bus and remain stopped until the flashing red lights stop. Motorists failing to stop for a school bus will lose 8 demerit points and will be fined a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000.
“Giving motorists the tools they need to drive safely helps ensure safer roads for all Islanders,” says Minister MacKinley. “Students can also create safer roads by checking their path and ensuring all vehicles are stopped before entering or exiting the school bus.”