Students are soon returning to their classrooms, which means increased traffic on our province’s roadways. Motorists are reminded to drive with extra caution, especially in school zones.
The following rules are outlined in the Highway Traffic Act, with which motorists must comply at all times:
- Obey the posted speed limit in school zones and yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk.
- Never pass a school bus while stopped.
- Obey the visual signals of the bus driver or the bus, such as the activated stop arm and flashing red or amber lights.
- One metre of open space between your vehicle, and a bicycle or pedestrian, and one-and-a-half metres if the speed limit is more than 60 kilometers per hour.
- Motorists are reminded that distracted driving is illegal and poses a serious safety risk.
Cyclists are required to use bicycle paths, or lanes where provided, instead of using the roadway. They are also required, by law, to wear a helmet. Pedestrians are encouraged to put away electronic devices and cellphones, and remove ear buds, so they can easily hear and see approaching traffic.
School buses are held to an extremely high standard of mechanical fitness, and are subject to rigorous inspection requirements to operate on provincial highways. The most recent inspections continue to show high pass ratings, with 93.7 per cent of school buses inspected receiving a pass rating, maintaining the industry’s high safety standard.
Quotes
“As students return to their classrooms it is especially important to remind all road users to keep safety a priority. There will be more motor vehicle traffic, as well as an increase in the number of cyclists and pedestrians on our roadways. Please use extra caution in school zones, obey the posted signage and pay particular attention to school bus signals. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL
“Back to school is an exciting time of year. I would like to remind motorists to be extra vigilant in school zones. Be careful around crosswalks, and watch out for students getting on and off buses. Let’s make this a safe and happy school year for everyone.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education
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Learn more
News Release: Update on the Return of K-12 Classes for the 2022-23 School Year
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Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Nancy Hollett
Education
709-729-1906, 327-7878
nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca