Let’s Work Together to Keep Our Students Safe!
School Bus Safety Week is a great reminder that we all have a role to play in keeping students safe on their way to and from school.
School buses are one of the safest ways for students to travel, but safety depends on everyone doing their part. Whether you’re a student, parent, school staff member or motorist, staying alert and following safety rules can help prevent accidents.
Teaching Students to Be Safe Riders
Throughout the year, students learn how to stay safe on and around school buses. Each fall, the Safely on Board program visits Pembina Hills schools to teach Early Learning, Kindergarten and Grades 1–4 students how to be safe and responsible riders. This hands-on program helps build good habits early in the school year.
Key School Bus Safety Tips
For Students
- Arrive at your bus stop at least five minutes early.
- Wait well back from the road, about 10 feet.
- Use the handrails when getting on and off the bus.
- Stay seated and follow the bus driver’s instructions.
- Never walk behind the bus. Before crossing the road, make sure the driver can see you and follow their instructions.
For Parents
- Review bus safety rules with your children regularly.
- Encourage your children to arrive on time so they don’t have to rush.
- Make sure your children know their bus route and schedule.
For Drivers
- Slow down and watch for children near bus stops and school buses.
- Stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Children may be crossing the road.
- Follow posted school zone speed limits and watch for children at crosswalks.
Know the Law: Stop for the Bus
All motorists share the responsibility for keeping students safe.
When a school bus activates its amber lights, it is preparing to stop. When the bus stops and its red lights flash with the stop arm extended, vehicles in both directions must stop and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is no longer extended.
Passing a stopped school bus in this situation, known as a fly-by, is illegal and dangerous.
In Alberta, the penalty for failing to stop for a school bus includes:
- A $567 fine
- Six demerit points
Distracted driving can also put students at risk. Learn more about distracted driving and its penalties at alberta.ca/distracted-driving.aspx.
If you witness a school bus fly-by, report it to police or contact the Pembina Hills Transportation office at 780-674-8510. If possible, provide details such as the vehicle’s make, model, colour and licence plate, along with the bus number, time and location.
Student Poster Contest
Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 are invited to take part in the Student Transportation Association of Alberta’s School Bus Safety Week Poster Contest.
- 2026 theme: Be Bright, Stand in Sight!
- Deadline: October 30, 2026
Encourage your student to get creative and help spread the message about staying safe around school buses!
See the poster contest information for details.
Let’s Make School Bus Safety a Priority
At Pembina Hills, we are proud to support safe transportation for our students. By staying alert, following the rules and teaching safe habits, we can all help make every school bus trip safer.
School bus safety matters every day of the year!