Recent news headlines really hit home with our Nipawin and area school bus drivers. Drivers failing to stop for the bus stop signs and flashing lights is a serious concern in the Nipawin area.
In Rochester, Indiana, 3 children were killed when they were hit by a pickup truck as they crossed the road to board their school bus. A 4th child, an 11 year old boy, was airlifted to hospital in critical condition.
Local bus drivers are concerned for the safety of the students as they get on and off the buses, as some area drivers are failing to heed the extended stop signs and flashing red lights on the school buses.
“When approaching a school bus, if you see amber flashing lights, slow down and proceed with caution. If the red flashing lights are activated, you must come to a complete stop. If you are approaching the bus from the opposite direction on an undivided highway, you must also stop. The single greatest threat to the safety of children who ride school buses is motorists who pass the bus when children are loading or unloading.
When approaching a bus that has its stop arm out and its red flashing lights activated, as a driver:
- You must stop no closer than 5 m (15 ft.) from the front or back of the bus.
- You must not advance your vehicle until the bus driver turns off the flashing red stop lamps and deactivates the stop arm.
- Before moving, check to see that all children have safely crossed the roadway.
Passing a school bus with red flashing lights is a serious offence and will result in a minimum fine of $360. You do not have to stop for a school bus if you are travelling in the opposite direction on a divided highway. Some cities, towns and villages may have a bylaw prohibiting the use of flashing red stop lamps and stop arms on school buses. In those communities you are allowed to pass the bus. Drivers are not required to stop for buses displaying four-way hazard lamps; however, use caution, go slowly and always watch for children crossing.”
Quote Source: SASKATCHEWAN DRIVER’S HANDBOOK
Parents and can help by ensuring their children are aware of School Bus Safety measures. The North East School Division Transportation Services has published a helpful guide parents should review with their children.
The North East School Division encompasses an area of 28,500 Sq. km from West of Beatty to the Manitoba border, and North of Choiceland to South of Spalding.
Utilizing 70 routes, their buses travel approximately 2.5 million km per year taking 2,800 students to and from school.Source: NESD Transportation Services
CTV News – Rochester, Indiana ; 3 Children struck and killed by truck at bus stop
Global News – Yorkton, SK: 2 teens allegedly hit by pickup truck while crossing street to board the school bus
Global News – Pickering, Ontario: Ontario mom ‘terrified’ after video shows daughter, 10, nearly hit by car after exiting bus