With students back in class, the Canadian Automobile Association is reminding motorists to stay alert and use extra caution around school buses and school zones.
Drivers approaching a stopped school bus from the front should stop at a safe distance to allow children to board, get off and cross the road. Vehicles should not move until the bus’s red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is no longer activated, or until the bus begins moving.
Drivers approaching from behind should stop at least 20 metres, or about five car lengths, away from the bus.
On roads without a median, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights.
On roads with a median, vehicles travelling in the opposite direction are not required to stop. Motorists should also obey all posted school-zone speed limits.
Written by Tim Baltz
