RoadSmart Report | September, 2004

Safety innovations on school buses

Now that school is back in session, school buses are back on the road – and they have some innovative new features to help ensure a safe ride for the bus driver and young passengers.

Drivers on Saskatchewan’s rural roads should start keeping an eye out for strobe lights that indicate a school bus, and most likely schoolchildren, are nearby.

"School buses that operate outside a city, town or village are now required to have a strobe light to make the bus more visible to other drivers," says Brian Kline, SGI’s Manager of Vehicle Standards and Inspection. "In most cases the bus is either dropping off or picking up children, so other drivers know to watch out for kids on the road heading to or from the bus."

Many times drivers are unsure of what to do when they come upon a school bus. The traffic laws that apply to school buses are decided at the municipal level so they differ from community to community. For example, it is illegal to pass a school bus with flashing red lights and stop arm out and drivers who do so could receive a heavy fine. However, in some communities school buses don’t use stop arms and red flashing lights when loading or unloading passengers.

"In either case, drivers should always be extra cautious when near a school bus," says Kline. "Motorists can check with their local bylaw office or local police to find out what the law is in their community."

To help ease the confusion of drivers and to protect the buses’ precious cargo, SGI ordered five signs that could be posted on the back of school buses with an electronic read out that instructs drivers following the bus on exactly what they should do.

"Many drivers aren’t sure of the rules regarding school buses in their own communities, let alone if they are travelling elsewhere," says Kline. "If a driver comes upon a bus and isn’t sure whether to stop or to pass, the sign makes it crystal clear."

Because there are only five signs, SGI has been rotating them through school districts around the province to get the most out of their safety benefits and ensure they are seen by drivers throughout the province. SGI deals directly with school bus operators and school districts to determine where the signs go. The signs have already been used in 15 school districts, and have been so successful that some school districts have decided to purchase their own for permanent use.

Contact:

Brian Kline
Manager, Vehicle Standards and Inspection
SGI
Regina
(306) 775-6189