School is back in.
That means the buses will be out on the highway again picking up and dropping off the students. So it’s time to readjust your thinking and be aware of the extra hazards that means.
School zones have different types of signage so you need to be cognizant of what the speed limit is at various times of the day near the specific school you are passing. According to the ICBC Driving Guide, if a school zone sign has a speed limit but no time listed then that limit is in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days.
Do not pass buses when the lights are flashing. Be prepared to stop if the bus driver has turned on their amber alternating flashing lights.
You must stop in either direction when a school bus has red lights flashing.
Do not begin moving again until the bus moves on or the driver signals that it’s safe by turning off the lights and pulling in the stop sign.
An Albert school bus safety poster says it all – when the lights on a school bus are blinking A child’s life is flashing before your eyes!
The kids get a class on school bus safety when they come into the school system and they probably get a refresher course each September.
But we drivers don‘t get that reminder – it is our responsibility.
Making sure that kids get to and from school each day is a huge responsibility and we can all do our part.
Be aware and act responsibly.