Back to School Bus Safety for Drivers and Students

With back to school just around the corner, you’ll likely pass a school bus on your commute. In Ontario, there are laws and safety measures to ensure students stay safe, read them here.

With students heading back to school, undoubtedly roads are going to become busier, making it imperative you review our insightful safety guidelines.

School Bus Safety for Drivers

#1 Drive Slower & Stay Alert

This is pretty straightforward but remember to drive slower around school buses and obey the speed limit in school zones. Driving slowly helps you be more alert and pay attention to school bus signals. It’s also imperative that you refrain from driving if you’re drowsy.

#2 Obey Flashing Lights

When you see a school bus with its red lights flashing, you must stop whether you are behind or approaching the bus. And do not proceed to drive until the lights have stopped flashing and the bus has started moving.

#3 Be an Example

When you’re driving with your children, set a good example by not rushing through school zones, especially if you have a teen driver. Ensure that you obey the crossing guards and refrain from parking in the designated school bus zones.

#4 Know the Law

Here are the applicable fines for passing a stopped school bus while its lights are flashing in Ontario:

First offence: $400 to $2,000 and 6 demerit points
Each following offence: $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points and possible jail time (up to 6 months)

School Bus Safety for Children

Here are helpful safety tips to review with your children before they go back to school:

Wait for the bus in a safe place and not too close to the road.
Always cross the street in front of the bus, never behind, and at a distance. If you can touch the bus, you’re too close. Also, wait for a bus driver to signal that it’s safe to cross.
Board the bus in a single file line and refrains from pushing.
Always walk across the road and avoid running.

We all have a part in ensuring students stay safe as they start heading back to school. We wish all students the best of luck in September!

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