School Bus Safety

School Bus Safety

Thousands of Hamilton children take the school bus every day. Parents need to ensure that their children know how to be safe on and around school buses. 

  • Arrive at least 5 minutes before your bus pick up time.
  • Wait for your school bus at a safe distance from the road.
  • Wait until the bus completely stops, before approaching the door.
  • Never push and shove while getting on the bus
  • Always use the handrail
  • Sit facing the driver.
  • Stay seated at all times.
  • Keep your hands and feet inside the bus.
  • Do not stick anything out of the bus windows.
  • Keep the aisle clear.
  • Never run, push or throw things
  • Always cross the road in front of the school bus.
  • Pass the crossing arm and wait for the bus driver to give you the signal to cross.
  • Always walk across the road.

It is extremely important that motorists pay particular attention to school buses during the school year and to always stop for a school bus.

  • Failing to stop for a school bus can result in a fine upon conviction.
  • First offence: Fine - $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points
  • Each subsequent offence: Fine - $1,000 to $4,000 and six demerit points with possible imprisonment up to six months
  • When you are approaching the school bus from behind, stop at least 20 metres away from the back of the bus.
  • When you are approaching the school bus from the opposite direction, stop at a safe distance away from the front of the bus.
  • Do not continue driving until the red lights have stopped flashing, the STOP arm is folded away and the bus begins to move.

The CAA School Safety Patrol (SSP), developed by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), is a three-way partnership among the CAA, Police Services and school boards. It is a voluntary, elementary school program, where school-selected students attend a training session conducted by Hamilton Police Services. At the school level, a teacher-supervisor is responsible for coordinating the SSP and for supervising the student bus and foot patrollers.

Student patrollers receive instruction on their duties as either a bus or foot patroller. In addition, Bus Patrollers will also learn proper bus evacuation skills.  Students participating in this program gain a sense of responsibility and commitment to their school as well as the community.

Each year, approximately 60 schools within the City of Hamilton participate in the School Safety Patrol Program and approximately 800-900 students are trained.

To enroll in the School Safety Patrol Program, please visit: http://patroller.saferider.ca/ or contact Josh KNIGHT at [email protected].