Government of Yukon
News archives
FOR RELEASE #08-201
August 22, 2008
Government Reminds Drivers of School Bus Safety Practices
WHITEHORSE - Yukon schools are reopening, and that means school buses are returning to the roads.
August 25 to 29 is School Bus Safety Week in Yukon during which the Department of Education will be conducting a public awareness campaign to help increase student safety.
"Student safety is always a top priority for the Department of Education. The Department educates students in how to safely ride school buses," Minister of Education, Patrick Rouble said. "But drivers also have a role in school bus safety. School Bus Safety Week gives us a great opportunity to remind all drivers to take care in remembering to slow down in school zones and to stop for school buses when their red lights are flashing."
Every school day, approximately 2000 students travel almost 6500 kilometres on school buses in Yukon.
The Department of Education is reminding drivers that it is unsafe to pass a school bus, even if their vehicle is in the oncoming lane, when it is stopped with its red lights flashing. It puts students who are getting on and off buses in danger, and it is also illegal.
According to the Motor Vehicles Act, drivers who don't stop for school buses face fines of $200 and five demerit points on their licenses.
-30-
| Contact: | |
| Matthew Grant Cabinet Communications 867-633-7961 matthew.grant@gov.yk.ca |
Michele Royle Communications, Education 867-393-7102 michele.royle@gov.yk.ca |