Back-to-School Safety: Essential Considerations for School Bus Safety and Drivers on the Road

September 03, 2024, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

As the summer winds down and the school year kicks off, the streets of Ontario become busier with children heading back to school. The return to routine brings with it an increase in traffic, especially during morning and afternoon hours when school buses are on the roads. Ensuring the safety of students, whether they are on the bus or walking to school, is a shared responsibility for drivers, parents, and school officials. In this blog post, we’ll explore crucial back-to-school safety tips, with a special focus on school bus safety and what drivers on the road need to keep in mind.

School Bus Safety: What Parents and Students Need to Know

1. Arrive at the Bus Stop Early

• Why it Matters: Children who arrive at the bus stop late may rush, increasing the risk of accidents. Arriving at least 5 minutes early allows students to board the bus calmly and safely.
• Safety Tip: Teach your children to wait for the bus at least three giant steps (about two metres) back from the curb.

2. Boarding and Exiting the Bus Safely

• Why it Matters: The most dangerous time for students is when they are getting on or off the bus. This is when they are most at risk of being hit by a passing vehicle or the bus itself.
• Safety Tip: Students should always wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and for the driver’s signal before boarding. When exiting, students should ensure the road is clear before crossing and always cross in front of the bus at a distance where they can see the driver, and the driver can see them.

3. Stay Seated and Behave on the Bus

• Why it Matters: Distractions can cause the bus driver to lose focus, leading to accidents. Proper behaviour helps maintain a safe environment for everyone on board.
  • Safety Tip: Students should stay seated, face forward, and keep noise levels low. They should also be aware of the importance of following the bus driver’s instructions.

4. Clothing and Backpacks

• Why it Matters: Loose clothing, drawstrings, and backpack straps can get caught in the bus doors or railings, leading to injuries.
• Safety Tip: Ensure that your child’s clothing is safe for travel. Opt for Velcro fastenings or other alternatives to drawstrings, and choose backpacks without long straps that can become hazards.

Road Safety: Key Considerations for Drivers

1. Understand School Bus Laws

• Why it Matters: Ontario law requires drivers to stop for school buses when their red lights are flashing. Failing to do so can result in severe penalties and, more importantly, endanger children’s lives.
• Safety Tip: Always stop when you see a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop-arm. This indicates that children are getting on or off the bus, and passing in either direction is illegal.

2. Be Extra Cautious in School Zones

• Why it Matters: School zones are areas with a high concentration of children, especially during pick-up and drop-off times. Children may suddenly run into the street, and drivers need to be vigilant.
• Safety Tip: Always reduce your speed in school zones, obey all traffic signs, and be prepared to stop quickly. Many school zones have reduced speed limits during certain hours—make sure to follow them.

3. Avoid Distractions

• Why it Matters: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as school zones and bus stops.
• Safety Tip: Put away your phone, avoid eating or drinking, and keep your focus on the road. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to tragic consequences.

4. Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists

• Why it Matters: Children walking or biking to school may not always be aware of traffic rules, especially younger ones. Drivers need to be proactive in anticipating sudden movements.

• Safety Tip: Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and be mindful of cyclists. Give them plenty of space and be especially cautious when turning at intersections.

5. Respect Crossing Guards

• Why it Matters: Crossing guards play a crucial role in ensuring that children cross the street safely. Ignoring their signals not only endangers lives but can also result in fines and demerit points.
• Safety Tip: Always obey crossing guards’ signals. Stop well back from the crosswalk to give children ample space to cross safely.

What to Do in Case of an Accident

Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. If you or your child is involved in an accident involving a school bus or in a school zone, it’s important to take immediate action:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Health and safety should be the top priority.

2. Document the Scene: Take pictures and gather information from witnesses.

3. Report the Accident: Notify the school, the bus company, and the police.

4. Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer: An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights and navigate the complex legal process that may follow.

At Deutschmann Personal Injury Law, we understand the importance of keeping our children safe on their way to and from school. If you or a loved one has been injured in a school bus-related accident, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

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