Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is clearing up some confusion regarding school buses.
As we enter the second month of school, some people in Fort Saskatchewan have been curious about what is allowed when passing a school bus that's picking up or dropping off students.
Not only do school buses in the community not have flashing lights but they also do not have stop-sign arms.
Lisa Weder, the director of student transportation for EIPS, sheds some light on the situation.
“There is a bylaw against [buses] using the flashing lights and it really is a safety precaution,” said Weder.
School bus drivers in the community are trained to drop off kids in safe areas where they can exit the bus onto the sidewalk with little to no danger of being exposed to oncoming traffic. They are also dropped off in areas where crosswalks are nearby.
With this being the case, vehicles are allowed to pass Fort Saskatchewan buses that are stopped. However, passing drivers are asked to use extra caution when doing so.
More information on student transportation can be found on Elk Island Public School’s website here.
Elk Island Catholic Schools follow the same directions.