How Is School Bus Safety Regulated in Canada?
School buses are an important means of transport in Canada. To ensure there is tight security and safety for students, there are many regulations and rules given by governing bodies. The existing rules build confidence and trust among parents that their kids are safe.
In Canada, the provincial and federal governments share the responsibility for school bus security and safety. These include standard policies for bus management, driver experience, getting off the bus, riding, and rules while getting in the bus.
This blog lists some of the rules that have been issued by governing bodies to ensure secure and safe travel for students.
School bus design
School buses in Canada should have a glossy yellow color. All school buses should have the following.
-Padded seat backs designed with energy-absorbing materials.
-Seats should be arranged as compartments to ensure maximum protection.
-Flexible and fixed seat belt architecture.
-Firm seat anchoring.
-A roof hatch, a big rear door, and side emergency exits.
-Flashlights, stop arm signal, and traffic control devices.
Driver Requirements and Certifications
To become a school driver in Canada you must meet some legal requirements that vary by province. These include the following:
-Twenty to forty hours of training.
-Passed exams and done a bus road test.
-Clean records of driving.
-Know all the safety procedures and traffic laws.
Students must follow the following rules
-Reach at the bus stop five minutes before the driver arrives.
-The students should never rush or run while getting in or out of the bus.
-The students should cross the street carefully to get on the school bus.
In addition there are several rules for other drivers who may encounter a school bus while driving. Drivers on both sides of the road are required to stop when you see a school bus stopping to pick up or drop off passengers. The safety of the bus and the safety of any children on the bus is important throughout Canada.
Dynamic Specialty Vehicles has been supplying and servicing mid-sized buses for over 30 years. With long-term contracts with demanding clients like BC Ambulance and BC Transit, Dynamic Specialty Vehicles knows how to keep their clients safe and their buses running smoothly.
If you have any questions about this article or would like further information about buses and/or services, please call us on our Toll-Free number, (888) 416-9333.