Islanders are reminded to focus on school bus safety as students return to class next week
As the school year approaches, the province, local law enforcements agencies, and bus drivers are letting Islanders know that we all have a role to play in keeping kids safe.
Today, a month-long campaign was launched aimed at reminding Island drivers about the rules of the road around school buses, providing helpful tips to students and parents about bus stop safety, and calling on everyone to immediately report incidents to police.
Passing school buses with red lights flashing is a persistent issue reported by bus drivers across the province. Not only is it illegal, but also extremely dangerous, and it puts lives at risk every time it happens.
The campaign encourages parents and educators to talk to children about bus stop safety to help ensure they know all the steps to be as safe as possible getting to and from the bus. Those include arriving early, staying back from the road, looking both ways, and waiting for signal from the driver before crossing the road.
It also shares tips from police on how to report a car passing the school bus illegally. Police suggest noting the plate number, a driver and vehicle description, the location of the incident and the time of day, then calling 9-1-1.
Safety tips will be shared on radio, social media, and print, as well as in classrooms across the province and with parents via direct communication. The campaign will run until the end of September with routine reminders throughout the school year.
To learn more about school bus safety and the rules of the road, visit our website.
Quotes:
“With the school year around the corner, it is paramount that all drivers, parents, and students have the information they need to stay safe around school buses. The more often they are reminded of the potential dangers, the less likely it will be that people put themselves or others in situations with potentially tragic consequences.”
- Minister of Education and Early Years, Robin Croucher
This campaign is an opportunity to remind Islanders that school bus safety is a responsibility that we all share. By stopping for school buses with flashing red lights, slowing down in school zones and reporting dangerous driving, together, we can all help protect students and make our roads safer."
- Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy, Ernie Hudson
“Local police and our entire justice system takes the enforcement of road safety rules involving school buses very seriously. Report incidents of passing the bus and these will be investigated. Every driver can help by slowing down, exercising care, and following the rules of the road.”
- Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Bloyce Thompson