It’s School Bus Safety Week, and over the next few days we want to share some of what goes into getting students to school and back home again, safely.

Today we’re starting with the people behind the wheel.

It’s a familiar sight. A school bus pulls up to your child’s stop, the stop arm and crossing control arm swing out, and you wave goodbye as your child boards. It looks simple, but behind that moment is a long list of responsibilities our drivers carry every day.

That work begins before the first student boards and continues after the last one gets off. 

• Drivers complete pre- and post-trip inspections to make sure their bus is safe to operate.
• On the road, they operate a large vehicle while following all safety laws and procedures, including railroad crossing procedures. Traffic, wildlife, construction and road closures can change the plan for the day, and drivers adjust while working to stay on schedule.
• At each stop, drivers watch for children as they approach and leave the bus. On board, they manage student behaviour and keep students safe from the moment they board until the moment they step off.
• Throughout the day, drivers stay in touch with the Division office and schools as needed, so they are ready to handle emergencies if they happen.

“Our drivers are the face of transportation for most families. They’re up before sunrise, inspecting their buses and getting ready for the day, and they take the responsibility of caring for other people’s children very seriously,” said PRSD Transportation Manager Merlin Lee.

Check back Wednesday to see what our transportation office does behind the scenes.