With school back in session, buses will be back to using the streets of Lloydminster and the RCMP is reminding the public to be cautious in school zones.
“We can’t do that alone; we need other drivers to pay attention,” said Larry Bucknell, a school bus driver for the Lloydminster Public School Division. “We need you to slow down, get off your phones and watch for the flashing lights.”
Read more: Sask RCMP talk back-to-school safety
Bucknell took the Meridian Source on a quick trip around the city to show some of the inherent dangers of operating a bus, including blind spots for drivers.
The theme is playing out across the province as students return to the classroom. Lloydminster RCMP Const. Melanie Flynn, a school resource officer, echoed the warnings.
Flynn explained drivers must stop when they encounter a school bus on the road. The exception is on divided highways where the rule does not apply.
“If you’re coming up to a bus which has it’s lights activated, you must stop,” she said. “If it’s arm is extended, you need to stop. When you do stop, leave room and give the bus some distance.”
School zone safety
Lloydminster RCMP has also been increasing its presence in school zones in the days leading up to the return to classrooms.
“School zones come into effect at 7:30 a.m. and some regions can last until 9 p.m. if you’re in a playground zone area,” said Flynn. “We just want to remind motorists to decrease their speed to 30 km/h in those areas and be more vigilant of the increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic.”
Dan Gray Meridian Source
Flynn also had a message for students who walk and parents who drop their students off.
“Use those marked crosswalks and have a safe location for pickup and drop off so you’re not encouraging your student to run across the roadway where they shouldn’t,” she said. “We don’t want any kids jumping out from behind vehicles, but we still expect motorists to drive defensively around schools.”
Read more: Word on the street: Back to school
