September marks the return of students to classrooms, and the Prairie Rose School Division (PRSD) is reminding motorists to put safety first.
Beginning Sept. 1, school zone speed limits come into effect, requiring drivers to slow to 30 km/h from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Drivers are also reminded they must stop when a school bus’s red lights are flashing and stop arms are extended.
“Motorists should be reminded that school bus lights aren’t just there for you to see the bus –– they mean that the bus will be stopping,” said Megan Bergen, PRSD’s transportation manager.
“Amber lights start to flash 90 metres before a stop, and the red lights and stop signs are activated when students are loading and unloading the bus.”
As of last year, all PRSD buses are equipped with high-resolution stop sign cameras and dash cams. Anyone caught passing a bus stop sign will be reported to the RCMP. The offence carries a fine of nearly $700, and the cameras capture about 98 per cent of offenders.
“It just takes 30 seconds out of your day to stop, and that 30-second ‘inconvenience’ could make the difference in a child’s life.”
Last school year, the division reported 65 violations to RCMP, with the most problematic area being Highway 3, just east of Carman. The division even installed a specialized stop sign with LED lighting in hopes of catching drivers’ attention, but it hasn’t proven successful yet.
“Our goal is that word gets out that we will catch people who don’t stop and there will be consequences. We don’t want to put anyone’s safety at risk, which is why it is vital for motorists to be mindful of bus stops –– even when they don’t see any students –– because they might be waiting to cross the road.”
Bergen’s top safety tip for motorists this fall is to remain vigilant. “Everyone needs to be mindful of their surroundings whether they are a driver or a pedestrian. This includes never running near a school bus, and always making sure the bus driver sees you before crossing.”
PRSD operates 38 bus routes that carry approximately 1,500 students.
“At Prairie Rose School Division, safety is our first priority in regard to school bus transport as we transfer the most precious cargo our division has to offer.”
