School Bus Safety Week – Driving Safely into the Future

School Bus Safety Week occurs from October 21 to 25, 2024, and as we focus on the theme of “Driving Safely into the Future”, we are actively preparing for a safer tomorrow by implementing practices and safety protocols. Ensuring that students arrive at school and home safely every day is a priority in K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw School District No. 83.

SD83 Transportation Manager Andrea Kathrein shared, “School Bus Safety Week is a time to raise awareness about keeping students safe on and around our school buses.” One example of our commitment to future safety is that bus drivers are currently conducting school-wide bus evacuation training with elementary/middle school students and they just completed their high school bus route evacuations. These initiatives, rooted in best practices, are part of our strategy to enhance transportation safety, aligning with the Organizational Development priority in the District Strategic Plan 2023-2028.

A continuous concerning trend over the past several years has been drivers passing school buses when the red lights are flashing. Kathrein commented, “This is when children are most vulnerable as they are entering or unloading from the bus. Local RCMP have also been very supportive in trying to help deter this trend.”

Here are some ways we can all contribute to ensuring that students arrive at school and home safely every day:
Did you know? 
When a bus turns on RED flashing lights, it means STOP in both directions (Including off-road vehicles in the ditch). NEVER pass a school bus with red flashing lights.

Did you know? 
When a bus turns on YELLOW flashing lights, it indicates that the bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and get ready to stop.

Did you know? 
School bus drivers are required to perform a daily pre-trip inspection to ensure all bus components are working properly and a post-trip inspection to check for sleeping children.

Did you know?
Research consistently shows that school buses are the safest way for a child to travel. A study by Transport Canada found riding a bus to school is 16 times safer than riding in a passenger vehicle.

Did you know?
Students should arrive at the bus stop 3-5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. This helps keep the bus on schedule and ensures it arrives on time at each stop.

Did you know?
Parents are responsible for their children’s safety to and from the bus stop. For younger children, it’s a good idea to accompany them, ensuring they are dressed appropriately for the weather. While waiting for the bus, encourage them to stand quietly in a group and keep a safe distance from the road.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping students safe! Click HERE to read more about SD83’s bus driver training and safety protocols.