October 19-23 is School Bus Safety Week
The province is marking School Bus Safety Week by reminding Islanders to slow down, stay alert, and follow school bus laws to help protect students.
School Bus Safety Week serves as a timely reminder that everyone must work together to ensure students are kept safe when travelling to and from school each day.
“We all share a responsibility for keeping students safe on and around school buses. Drivers, parents, and students can all do their part by knowing the rules, staying alert, and remembering that no destination is worth putting someone’s safety at risk.”
- Minister of Education and Early Years Robin Croucher
Students should wait in a safe place away from the road and arrive at least five minutes early. They should follow the bus driver’s instructions, make sure the driver can see them, look both ways, and ensure the red lights are flashing before crossing in front of the bus.
Motorists should be aware of school buses and be prepared to stop when amber lights are flashing. When a school bus is stopped with its red-light flashing, drivers must stop at least six metres away and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing.
“We can never have too many reminders about staying safe on our roads," said Justice and Public Safety and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bloyce Thompson. "Slow down, look out for school buses, and never drive while distracted. Report any vehicle that illegally passes a school bus, and it will be investigated. Thank you to all the bus drivers, police officers, families, and responsible drivers for helping to protect students and making our roads safer."
It’s illegal and dangerous to pass a school bus when red lights are flashing. To protect Island students, drivers who illegally pass a school bus will lose their license and face a fine of up to $5,000.
Anyone who witnesses an incident while driving should pull over and call 9-1-1 to report. Note the license plate number, the vehicle and driver description, date and time of day, the location of the incident, and any other details that may assist the police.
Learn more at PrinceEdwardIsland.ca/SchoolBusSafety
Media contact:
Andrew Sprague
Department of Education and Early Years
asgsprague@gov.pe.ca