School Bus Safety

If you're the parent of one of the 80,000 children who ride school buses every day in Saskatchewan, here’s what to teach your child so they are safe both on and off the school bus:

Always stand three metres away from the road or street when waiting for the bus to pick you up. If you stand too close to the road, drivers may not be able to see you until it's too late. You could be hit by a vehicle.

Approach the bus doors only when it has come to a complete stop and the driver has opened the door. If you try to get on or off the bus too quickly, you could injure yourself.

Be a considerate passenger. Find your seat as soon as you get on the bus and stay in that seat for the whole ride.

It's okay to talk, but keep voices down and pay attention to the bus driver.

Always pay attention to the direction your school bus driver gives you. The driver is helping to keep you safe, so paying attention to what they say is important.

Children aren’t the only ones who need to be taught about school bus safety. Here are some tips for motorists that everyone can practise around schools and school buses:

SLOW DOWN in school zones.

There is a lot of traffic around school zones, so try to stay out of the area where the school buses pick up children.

When approaching a school bus with flashing red lights and stop arm out, STOP until the red lights are off and the stop arm has been retracted. THIS IS THE LAW. You could be fined $335 for failing to stop. In some cities and towns, school buses are not required to use red flashing lights and stop arms. Check with the local police or bylaw office to find out what the law is in your area.

Always use caution when approaching a school bus with flashing yellow lights. Slow down and be prepared for children who may do things you don’t expect.

Keep in mind that school buses stop at all uncontrolled railway crossings.

Contact:
Shannon Ell
Manager, Traffic Safety Promotion
SGI
Regina
(306) 775-6179

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