​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The safety and well-being of transported students is a priority for the Park West School Division.

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To support safe school bus travel:

• School Bus Drivers must successfully complete specialized training delivered by the School Division prior to being licensed as a school bus driver.

• The Superintendent, in consultation with the Transportation Supervisor, makes the decision regarding school bus travel on days with inclement weather. 

• Every six months, all school buses receive a safety inspection completed by certified mechanics / vehicle inspectors.  In addition to safety inspections, day to day repairs and oil changes are completed by the Division's Mechanics.

• Responsible ridership is taught to students by classroom teachers and bus drivers.

 

Parents can support the principles of safe school bus travel, both through discussion with their children who ride the bus and while being a supervising parent on an extra-curricular trip.  Review the attached Park West School Division school bus ridership pamphlet for additional information: 

 

School Bus Safety Rules for Motorists:

• Flashing yellow lights on the school bus indicate that the bus is getting ready to stop and load or unload. This means that you need to slow down and get ready to stop.

• Flashing red lights indicate that the bus has stopped and that children are getting on or off. It is illegal to pass a school bus from either direction once it's stopped and has its lights activated unless there is a physical barrier (such as a median) between your vehicle and the bus.

• As soon as the bus driver turns on the flashing red lights, drivers coming from both directions must immediately stop at least five metres from the bus and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing, the STOP arm folds away and the bus begins to move.

• Be extremely cautious around school buses and remember that young children are prone to sudden movements.

 

Note that the fine for passing a school bus when it is stopped and has its red loading lights activated is over $600, in addition to getting 2 demerits on your license.  

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For additional information, review the following information:
 

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