Government of Yukon
Government
FOR RELEASE #07-172
August 23, 2007
Drivers Reminded Of Their Role In School Bus Safety
WHITEHORSE - School Bus Safety Week will run August 27 to 31 in Yukon. During this time, the Department of Education will conduct a public awareness campaign to help increase student safety.
The Department of Education will remind drivers that passing a school bus when it is stopped with its red lights flashing puts students getting on and off buses in danger. It is also illegal. Drivers are reminded to obey speed limits in school zones.
"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," Minister of Education Patrick Rouble said.
Transport Canada studies of accidents involving students riding school buses have determined that the majority of student injuries occur outside the school bus.
"Every school day, approximately 2000 students travel almost 6,500 kilometres on school buses in Yukon," Rouble said. "The Department of Education wants to ensure that all students arrive at their destination safely."
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. Drivers caught speeding in school zones face first time fines of up to $200.
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| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand | Clea Roberts |
| Cabinet Communications | Communications, Education |
| (867) 633-7949 | (867) 393-7102 |
| roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca | clea.roberts@gov.yk.ca |