School bus safety

Classes are in full swing and getting students to and from school safely is priority number one for bus drivers. 

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is pleased to join schools and other safety partners across Canada in celebrating bus safety week from October 17th to October 21st.

“With an increase in pedestrian and vehicle traffic around school zones across Canada, it is crucial that we all follow a few simple safety guidelines to help keep our communities safe,” said Jeff Walker, CAA vice president, public affairs.

In order to ensure everyone’s bus ride to and from school is as safe as possible, here are some helpful tips to follow on the bus: 

-Wait for the bus in a safe place that is a good distance back from the edge of the road.

-Never distract the bus driver and follow their instructions.

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-Remain seated while the bus is in motion. 

-Always keep personal items and your body inside the bus. 

-Keep the aisle clear of objects. 

-Wait until the bus and any other vehicles have come to a complete stop before crossing the street. 

When crossing the street to get on or off the bus:

• -Look both ways before crossing the road.
• -Walk to where your parent or caregiver is waiting for you on the side of the road where the bus stops.

Safety tips for motorists: 

• -If you see a bus slowing down, be prepared to stop (aim to be 5 metres from the stopped bus ). 
• -When school bus lights are flashing, traffic must stop in both directions, unless on a physically divided road. 
• -School buses must come to a complete stop at all railroad crossings, but cars are allowed to proceed as long as it is safe to do so 
• -obey the speed limit, especially in school zones. 

Transport Canada says school buses don’t contain seat belts because the current school bus design provides a high level of protection to occupants and seat belts may actually adversely affect the safety of children on school buses. 

Instead of seat belts, school buses are designed differently than passenger cars. School buses protect passengers with seats with high backs, seats filled with energy-absorbing material, seats placed close together, and strong seat anchorages.