School buses are hitting the road this morning, taking kids back to class for the first time this year.
Kent Orr, general manager of CLASS, the agency in charge of student transportation, says amber lights have been added as an advance warning system.
“The overhead lights have gone to an eight-lamp amber/red warning system,
You have two lights on the front and back of the bus that are amber coloured and two that are red and when the driver is slowing down, you’re going to get a warning and notice that the bus is slowing down and about to stop with those amber lights. When the overhead red lights are flashing, it means that motorist have to come to a stop and cannot pass the bus.”
The back of each bus also has a written reminder for drivers not to pass a bus when it is stopped with lights flashing.
Orr says with the excitement of returning to school, kids may not be paying close attention and drivers need to do their part to keep everyone safe.
“Obviously there’s concerns around the schools, around that safety zone where you’ve got the convergence of motorists, parents walking their children, children walking alone. Just make sure you’re aware and watching out for those transactions, being safe, and following the speed limits.”
Drivers that don’t stop for a stopped school bus could face up to $2000 in fines and six demerit points on their license for a first offence.
