SOUTHWESTERN NS – Although still high, the number of red light violations involving school buses so far this school year is down from previous school years.
The Tri-County Regional Centre for Education (formerly the TCRSB) says from September 2017 to March 31, 2018, the number of instances where a vehicle passed a school bus that had its right lights flashing was 135 in Digby, Yarmouth and Shelburne counties.
From September 2016 to March 31, 2017 the number of violations had been 167. Over the same timeframe the previous year the number of violations had been 186.
“Although there are still too many, it is good to see that there has been a steady decline over the last three years,” says Steven Stoddart, director of operational services.
When the red lights are flashing on a school bus it means students are getting on and off of the bus and they may be crossing the street, therefore motorists who don’t stop are putting student safety at risk.
The school board and its previous elected board members have been raising concerns over this issue for years to increase public awareness.
There are cameras on many school buses to help identify drivers who commit violations. Violations are reported to the RCMP.
