What Drivers Need to Know
With the start of the school year upon us, drivers need to adjust to more traffic, including school buses. Here’s what you need to know:
When you see a school bus approaching, watch for its flashing amber lights, which mean the bus is preparing to stop to pick up or drop off students. Slow down and get ready to stop, whether you’re behind the bus or approaching it from the front. On roads with a median, only vehicles behind the bus need to stop.
If the bus stops and its red lights start flashing, or the stop arm is extended, children are getting on or off the bus. It’s dangerous and illegal to pass in this situation. On roads without a median, vehicles in both directions must stop. If you’re behind the bus, stop at least 20 metres away; if you’re facing the bus, stop at a safe distance. Always wait until the bus moves, the red lights stop flashing, and the stop arm is retracted before continuing your journey.
