It is that time of year again when both students and bus drivers will begin their daily routine for the school year. I remember my grandson's first day riding on a school bus, he was concerned as there were no seatbelts. I assured him that riding on the school bus was as safe as driving in our own vehicle and that he was to remain seated while the bus was in motion. While a school bus is a safe way to get to and from school, the real danger becomes apparent when students are being picked up and dropped off. A school bus has amber lights to warn people to slow down and prepare to stop and red flashing lights requiring vehicles to stop, some drivers choose to ignore this. Even with a stop signal that extends from the driver's side of the bus, some drivers still try to say they didn't notice it.
Drivers need to remember BLARE (Be alert, Look, Assess, Red Lights, Extended Stop Arm)
Be aware of the school buses or areas where students are waiting for the bus or have disembarked a bus and are travelling home or elsewhere.
when driving through communities in the morning or afternoon, although we teach our children to look both ways before crossing the street, they sometimes get distracted and may not look before entering the roadway. for an approaching school bus and be vigilant for any students rushing to catch the bus.
Assess the situation, are there students waiting for the bus, is there a likelihood that the oncoming bus will be stopping, have the amber lights on the bus been activated, if so slow down and prepare to stop.
Red lights flashing lights activated on a school bus means you must stop at a safe distance (at least 6 meters from the school bus) and not proceed pass the bus.
Extended Stop Arm is a second indicator that you must stop and not pass the bus, even if the bus is in the oncoming lane you are required to stop. Don't proceed until the red flashing lights and stop arm indicator have been deactivated.
Everyone is responsible for school bus safety, as drivers we must obey the rules of the road. Keep in mind the safety of our children.
If our children's safety is not a deterrent for you, the penalty for passing a school bus in Prince Edward Island is $5000 + $75 surcharge and 8 demerit points.
It is important for parents to discuss with their children safety, in particular when they are travelling to and from school. Students are reminded to be early to the bus stop by at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive to avoid being rushed. Keep clear of the bus until it has completely stopped and it is okay for you to enter the bus. When approaching the bus or leaving the bus make sure you are visible to the bus driver at all times. This means walking in front of the bus to cross the road and never behind the bus. Should you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver first before retrieving it so the driver knows what you are doing and does not put the bus in motion. While travelling on the school bus not stand while the bus is in motion.
Let's all do our part to keep children safe. Slow down and stop, it doesn't take much time to do so and it could mean the difference of saving a child's life and forever altering your own.