Back to School: Drivers Watch Out!

Whether walking, cycling or in buses, students from across Quebec are going back to school by summer’s end. Quiet during the summer, school zones are filling up again: sidewalks are teeming with unpredictable youngsters and roads have to be shared by children, school buses and motorists.

Signs that say it all

School zones are clearly identified by various road signs. When driving, be on the lookout for school zone signals and always obey posted speed limits. In general, speed limit near schools is 30km/h never exceeding 50km/h.
Be aware of and watch out for school crossing signs: children can use these crossings even during normal class hours. You must give way to pedestrians crossing this area. In the morning, at lunch and after school, you may notice the presence of crossing guards: follow their directions as they are there to keep children safe.
Keep your eyes open when spotting a warning of a school bus stop ahead: this alerts you to the possible presence of a school bus stopped to take on or let off children.

School buses, easily recognizable transportation
Those big yellow buses are impossible to miss even from afar, and for good reason! As soon as you see one, exercise caution:

Prepare to stop when the school bus driver activates the four amber flashing lights (or hazard warning lights) signalling his or her intention to bring the bus to a stop.
If the driver has turned on the red flashing lights and extended the stop arm, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop at least five metres away from the school bus. You cannot pass or cross the school bus as long as the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. Note that you are not required to stop if a school bus is approaching on a roadway that is separated by a median.

Violating any one of the laws pertaining to school zones or school buses automatically endangers children’s lives. By obeying the Highway Safety code, you are acting as a responsible driver and showing children the best example there is.