Reminder to public to pay attention to students travelling to school

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador wishes to remind motor vehicle drivers to be watchful of students travelling on the province�s roads.

�Back to school means that many of our students will be on or near roads and streets,� said Tom Hedderson, Minister of Education. �Most school bus accidents are preventable. Drivers need to be mindful of all students travelling to and from school, such as those who are walking or bicycling. People need to stop both ways when they see children getting on or off a school bus, when school bus lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.�

�As a government we are committed to ensuring that our school buses are safe and well maintained,� added the minister. �We have increased funding for school busing, are reducing the age of our buses, and are encouraging additional driver training. But ultimately the safety of our students depends on members of the public to be especially careful near pedestrians and to stop driving when they see flashing red lights.�

Schools reopen today, September 6. Busing services are provided to students who reside at least one mile (1.6 km) from their zoned school. The walk zone in Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the lowest in Canada.

Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 690-6047

2005 09 06                               8:30 a.m.