As the weather improves, the company that manages school transportation in Chatham-Kent is urging drivers to be mindful of students.
Kent Orr, general manager of Chatham-Kent Lambton Administrative School Services (CLASS), said with the season charge, more kids will be outside walking and riding bikes around school safety zones and buses. He said motorists need to keep that in mind when they see buses and flashing lights.
“Be aware, watch for those buses. If you see a bus slowing down, there’s going to be students around that bus, they’re going to be crossing the road potentially [or] they’re on the sidewalk,” said Orr. “Today, we still see motorists passing buses with flashing lights and it’s just not ok.”
Orr said students may not be watching for oncoming vehicles but it’s the driver’s responsibility to watch for them.
“It’s about awareness and just remembering. Kids are so precious and they’re so fragile and it just takes a second for something horrible to happen,” he said. “There’s no need for people to be uptight and rush. Be patient. Take your time. Watch for those kids.
“If you see the lights flashing, just stop,” Orr added.
