When the stop sign swings out and the lights start flashing on the school bus, that should be an immediate signal to drivers to stop as children will be getting on or off the bus. Unfortunately, many drivers do not change their driving behaviours around school buses. Over the past four years, there have been 451 collisions with a school bus in Manitoba, causing 105 injuries and putting countless children at risk.

“Most students will ride a bus during their school career, and it is so important that we do all we can to make sure that each and every one of them is safe while getting to and from school,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer with MPI. “Bus drivers are a very dedicated group of people who take the safety of our children very seriously, but it is hard for them to do their job when motorists ignore safety features on the bus or are not focused enough on the road to abide by them. We all need to do our part, and School Bus Safety Week is a good reminder.”

“School bus safety is not only the responsibility of our dedicated bus drivers – it is really a community responsibility,” emphasized Elise Downey, Secretary Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer with RETSD.

School buses are among the safest vehicles on the road. The risk comes when children are getting on and off the bus. There are safety features on the bus that alert motorists to stop and keep the area clear so children can accomplish this safely.

Flashing yellow lights on the school bus indicate that the bus is getting ready to stop and load or unload. Drivers should slow down and get ready to stop. When the lights start flashing red, this indicates the bus has stopped and that children are getting on or off. It is illegal to pass a school bus from either direction once it is stopped with lights activated unless there is a physical barrier, such as a median, between your vehicle and the bus.

Drivers travelling in both directions must immediately stop at least five metres away from the bus and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing, the stop arm folds away, and the bus begins to move.

The fine for illegally passing a school bus is $672 and two demerits on your licence.