FAQ

Failing to stop for a school bus can have serious consequences, both in terms of penalties and the safety of children and other drivers. In Alberta, the penalty for failing to stop and pass a school bus that has its red lights and stop signs engaged is $567 and six driving demerits.

As of September 2022, school buses are permitted to travel at the posted speed limit, unless road conditions require slower travel.

A School Bus Stop Ahead sign may be required if it is determined that a particular pickup location has a sight distance restriction and other means of remedying the problem have been considered. A sight distance restriction may require a School Bus Stop Ahead sign if the following criteria are met:

• The location is actively in use as a site for the pick-up and drop-off of students.
• The required stopping sight distance (Section B-2.3 of Highway Geometric Design Guide) is greater than the actual stopping sight distance at the location. If a sight distance restriction does exist at a school bus stop, the following three options must first be considered prior to installing a School Bus Stop Ahead sign:
• Eliminate the sight obstruction through realignment, crest curve flattening, or trimming vegetation.
• Relocate the bus stop further from the sight obstruction, or on the other side of the highway. If relocating the bus stop to the other side of the highway is considered, the trade offs between the limited sight distance and having the student cross the highway must be compared.
• If there is only one property from which children are picked up, encourage the driver to enter the driveway (with permission). In this case, a school bus entrance sign (WC-12) could be considered in advance of the driveway. A School Bus Stop Ahead sign is usually not required in urban or semi-urban areas where posted speeds are 60 km/h or lower, or where a school bus stop can be seen for more than 300 meters.

Obtain the Appropriate Driver’s Licence Your eligibility depends on the type of school bus you intend to drive:

• Class 1 or Class 2 Licence: Required for school buses with a seating capacity of 25 or more passengers. These licences allow you to drive larger school buses and are suitable for most school bus driving positions.
• Class 4 Licence: Required for school buses with a seating capacity of up to 24 passengers. Class 4 licences are typically needed for smaller school buses. Obtain the “S” Endorsement Regardless of the bus size, you must complete the School Bus Driver Improvement Program to obtain the “S” endorsement on your driver’s licence. The program consists of classroom, knowledge assessments, and practical training components. Undergo a Medical Examination You must pass a medical examination to ensure you are physically fit to drive a school bus. This includes:
• Vision and Hearing Tests: To meet the required standards for safe driving.
• Physical and Mental Health Assessment: To confirm your ability to perform the duties of a school bus driver safely. The medical examination must be conducted by a licensed medical professional.

In urban areas, such as cities or towns where traffic is controlled and bus stops are designated, bylaws may exist that prohibit school buses from using flashing lights and stop arms with intent to avoid confusion and maintains consistent traffic flow. Check with your municipality to see if such Bylaws exist in your area.

Compartmentalization Design

School buses use a safety concept called compartmentalization, which:

• Features high, energy-absorbing seat backs.
• Seats are placed close together to create a protective envelope.
• The bus structure is rigid and reinforced, reducing crash impact.

This design protects passengers in front- and rear-end collisions, which are the most common types of school bus accidents.

Proven Safety Record

Statistically, school buses are among the safest vehicles on the road:

• According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), children are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely in a bus than in a car.
• The fatality rate for school bus passengers is very low, and most injuries occur outside the bus (e.g., during boarding or exiting).

Evacuation Concerns

In emergencies like fires or rollovers, seatbelts could:

• Slow evacuation, especially for young children.
• Possess a risk of kids becoming trapped, especially if belts jam or kids panic.

When assessing bus stops, factors such as limited sightlines, high traffic volume, complex intersections, and the absence of sidewalks are key safety considerations. Student eligibility may also influence the final decision.

Uncontrolled railway crossings are defined by those without gates, flashing lights, or other active signals that indicate a train’s presence. School buses must adhere to these specific procedures at uncontrolled railway crossings:

Stop the Bus
Bring the bus to a complete stop no closer than 5 metres and no further than 15 metres from the nearest rail. This distance allows the driver to have a clear view of both directions along the tracks.

Open the Front Door and Driver’s Window
Open the bus’s front door and, if possible, the driver’s side window. This practice helps the driver to listen and look for any approaching trains.

Look and Listen
Before proceeding, the driver must look in both directions along the railway tracks and listen for any signals indicating the approach of a train.

Proceed with Caution
Only move the bus across the tracks when it is safe to do so. Ensure the bus is in a gear that will not require shifting while crossing, and proceed without hesitation.

The rationale for the black colour is that it creates a contrasting colour to the yellow body which creates better recognition for the unique look of a school bus.   This improves safety.