FOR RELEASE #06-196
August 24, 2006
GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK
WHITEHORSE –During School Bus Safety Week from August 28 to September 1, the Department of Education will be running a public awareness campaign to help increase the safety of students traveling on school buses.
"Every school day, approximately 2000 students travel almost 6500 kilometres on school buses in Yukon," Minister of Education Elaine Taylor said. "The Department of Education wants to ensure that all students ride safely."
Passing a school bus when it is stopped with its red lights flashing endangers students who are getting on and off buses. It is also illegal. During School Bus Safety Week, the Department of Education will be reminding drivers of this, and other related safety issues.
"Transport Canada has studied accidents involving students riding school buses and they have determined that the majority of student injuries occur outside of the school bus," Taylor said. "The Department of Education works with students to ensure they know how to safely ride school buses, but all drivers on the road play an important role in creating school bus safety.”
Drivers must stop their vehicles when school buses are stopped on the road and have their red lights flashing, even if their vehicle is in the oncoming lane.
According to the Motor Vehicles Act, drivers who don't stop for school buses face a fine of $200 and five demerit points on their license.
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Contact:
|
Peter Carr |
Clea Ainsworth Communications, Education (867) 393-7102 clea.ainsworth@gov.yk.ca |
Brigitte Parker Communications Strategist RCMP - "M" Division (867) 667-5599 brigitte.parker@rcmp-grc.gc.ca |
