School Transportation: 35th School Safety Awareness Campaign

As is normally the case at this time of year, school bus safety is in the spotlight as part of the « Did you see me? » campaign, now in its 35th year.

The initiative, supported by the Fédération des transporteurs par autobus, returns annually to encourage the public to be cautious at all times, near schools and in the presence of school buses.

Line Turbide, the person in charge of school transportation at the Centre de services scolaires des Îles, explains the importance of awareness.

For his part, Jonathan Poirier, principal of École St-Pierre, mentions that the schools are located in strategic areas with a high volume of traffic, especially around school hours.

Since parking lots are relatively small shared spaces with cars, buses, bicycles and pedestrians, all users must be extra careful, he says.

Maintaining a safe distance in winter and stopping five metres away from a school bus when the flashing yellow lights are on are both good practices.

Mr. Poirier emphasizes that the cooperation of parents is essential, especially when it comes to behaviour inside the bus.

The two-week campaign includes signage as well as advertising and is aimed at everyone: road users, students, parents and staff.