BARRHEAD — The Pembina Hills School Division is stepping up its efforts to address the problem of so-called “fly-bys”, where other drivers zoom past school buses that are letting off children.
When a bus is about to load or unload children, the driver will first activate the bus’ overhead alternating amber lights to signal to other drivers that it will be coming to a stop.
When the bus has stopped and the door is opened, the overhead alternating red lights will be activated. This means all drivers approaching from either direction must come to a complete stop.
Unfortunately, the Pembina Hills transportation department regularly reports a high number of fly-bys within the division each year.
During the May 24 board meeting, acting director of transportation David Sharpe reported to trustees that there had been 44 such fly-bys since September 2022.
To counteract this problem, the division piloted the use of three extended arm stop signs on buses, along with high-definition cameras.
Shantelle Haitel, who has now returned to her role as the director of transportation, indicated that over the summer, the division had purchased more extended stop arms and external cameras to outfit additional buses.
As well, Haitel said they had also booked the company “Safely on Board” to come into schools to teach children about school bus safety.
“If we can educate the students about the importance of making eye contact with their driver and getting the go-ahead to cross the street before they dart into traffic, the students will be safer regardless of what other motorists choose to do,” she said.
The division also encourages the public to please report fly-bys to either the police or the Pembina Hills transportation office at (780) 674-8510.
The more information you have the better, such as a description of the vehicle involved, time of day, location and the licence plate of the offending vehicle, if possible.
