Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario, the transportation consortium for the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario and the Upper Canada District School Board, is joining other transportation consortia and school transportation companies across Ontario in promoting the importance of school bus safety during School Bus Safety Week.
In Ontario, more than 800,000 children and teenagers ride safely in over 18,000 school buses each day. STEO operates approximately 800 school vehicles, which transport 33,000 students across districts in eastern Ontario. During bus safety week, STEO is reaching out with some tips and strategies to help keep our students safe on the road.
Stop for flashing red lights of a school bus
We need the support of all motorists while buses perform their daily routes. School buses display red flashing lights and a stop sign that is extended from the side of the bus to alert motorists to stop. The law requires motorists to stop in both directions for a school bus with the red lights flashing.
Plan ahead and don't rush
The safety and well-being of students is our No. 1 priority. No issue is so urgent that motorists cannot take the time to wait for a school bus as it loads and unloads children. To support safe driving around school buses, motorists are asked to schedule additional time for monitoring traffic delays.
Obey distracted driving laws
Please leave your phone alone during your commute. Driving requires your full attention. If you must use your phone, pull over to a safe place away from traffic.
The team at STEO offers the following safety tips to students as they get on and off the bus:
Be at the bus stop in plenty of time to avoid having to rush to catch the bus
Dress with the day's weather conditions in mind
Always follow the driver's instructions for how and when to cross the street
Always remain in the direct view of the bus driver
Always cross in front of the bus and only when the bus driver signals that it is safe to do so
Be alert o the traffic and look both ways when crossing the road
Never turn back to get anything you left on the bus or dropped on the ground
Bus operators throughout the region will be conducting activities in conjunction with local schools in support of School Bus Safety Week. Police services throughout the region will also be diligent in ensuring drivers are following all rules pertaining to bus safety.
Wednesday, October 24th, is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Please take a moment to thank your driver for the awesome and important work they do!
To obtain additional information about school bus safety, parents and students can access STEO's website at www.steo.ca or call 1-855-925-0022 or 613-925-0022.
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