The trouble with safety messages is that sometimes, the frequency with which they are repeated lessens their impact. While many understand the reasoning behind the messages, the consequences of not following them are sometimes lost.
A concerning increase
For Adam Adamson, the Western School Division (WSD) Transportation Supervisor, the risks involved in failing to observe bus rules are always apparent. He is the one who calls the Morden Police (or the RCMP) when there is an illegal passing of a bus stopping on the roadways. It seems to be happening more and more often.
“We're constantly in contact,” he says. “For the first two years, so 2022-23 school year and then 2023-24, we saw six situations [each year], and this year is already seven.”
For Adamson, having more instances of bus infractions in the first two months of this school year than the total of last year’s is “worrying.” He says that before this year, the school board had already met and voted on adding additional stop signs on the back of buses to make them more visible.
Unfortunately, this initiative didn't address the traffic coming from the other direction.
“Surprisingly, most of the vehicles are actually coming from the front of the bus as well,” says Adamson. “They're actually facing the bus as opposed to driving the same direction.”
Adamson notes that according to Manitoba Public Insurance’s (MPI's) guidelines, it is unlawful to stop within 5 metres of the bus whether one approaches from the back or the front.
“It is surprising that we do have situations where motorists will stop well within five metres,” he says. “We are noticing that either the distances are not being adhered to, or in the worst-case scenario, people are unfortunately driving through.”
Adamson says that most buses are equipped with cameras that can capture the license plates of those who do not adhere to the stopping rules, but sometimes, the plate information is not visible. Another challenge is the bus drivers — it is difficult for the drivers to tend to the children and also capture the license plates of offenders.
The fine for failing to stop at least five metres from behind or in front of a bus is $700. There is also a penalty of two demerits.
Practicing safe habits
Ultimately, the community's cooperation is most effective in solving this higher trend of instances. WSD has 1,306 children that access its bus service, so ensuring the safety of each one takes a village.
Adamson suggests that all motorists, regardless of the time of day, exercise general caution when near a bus.
“These drivers . . . are professional,” he says. “They've been highly trained and they're more than capable of handling a vehicle of that size. So first and foremost, give them the space to do what they need to do.”
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Adamson says that this also applies to railroad crossings.
“The driver has to open the window as well as the door to hear any train traffic,” he says. “Under any circumstance, when you see a vehicle that's stationary or slowing down, just be mindful of it and slow down because you don't know [if] there's going to be any passengers getting out or what the situation may be. There shouldn't be any passengers getting off the bus at railway crossings, but just take extra caution when you see those four-way flashers.”
Children being children
Of course, the message of bus safety is particularly severe because in the end, it comes down to protecting children, who require patience and the care of motorists as they learn the rules of the road.
“We all know what we were like when we were kids,” says Adamson. “Unpredictable in our movements,” adding that as soon as the doors open, the students scatter.
“We just have to be mindful that they could be travelling in any direction,” he says. “Be alert at all times on the road.”
Adamson is particularly passionate about bus safety because as someone who drives buses, he has a heart for the children who rely on the service.
“You see all these characters and especially for drivers that have transported a similar group of kids over the years, they see them grow and develop,” he says. “We're all doing a very small part in a big future for all. It's really rewarding. It really is.”
Adamson is also thankful for the large portion of the community that continues to model safe practices with school buses.
“I just want to say thank you to all the motorists that take care around school buses,” he says. “As well as staff at schools that educate the students in terms of bus safety. It is very much appreciated. For everyone, please be mindful around school buses, be safe.”
Visit MPI’s handbook about bus safety for a refresher on the rules of encountering buses on the roadways.
~With files from Jayme Giesbrecht~