NEWS RELEASE - Safety First: Don’t Fly-by School Buses
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Safety First: Don’t Fly-by School Buses
February 14, 2025 – LAMONT, AB: Red means stop and do not pass. School bus fly-bys are an increasing safety concern for Elk Island Public Schools buses across Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and within Lamont County.
When a driver passes a stopped school bus in either direction when its red flashing lights (and the stop sign) are activated, this is a fly-by. It means children are boarding or departing the bus. All caution should be given to prevent an incident. Drivers are legally required to stop.
Those who do not stop when lights are flashing, are subject to fines of $567 and six demerit points. It is not just a stern warning; it is protecting our children.
The only exception is when travelling on the other side of a traffic median (travelling the opposite direction on a divided highway).
A map of the key locations where fly-bys are occurring within Lamont County is at:
lamontcounty.ca/departments/enforcement-services/rules-to-remember.
Elk Island Public Schools is working closely with RCMP and our Community Peace Officer to raise awareness and to find solutions to this issue. This includes bus drivers recording the license plate and reporting this to the RCMP.
“Passing a school bus with flashing lights and an extended stop sign is not just illegal, it may result in the loss of a child’s life,” says Lisa-Marie Weder, Director of Student Transportation at Elk Island Public Schools.
“While the $567 fine and six demerit points serve as a stern warning, these penalties are reactive. EIPS believes in a proactive approach: educating motorists about the importance of stopping for school buses with their flashing lights and stop sign out to keep our students safe. A child's life is far too precious to risk for a moment of impatience.”
Bus drivers are fully trained and ensure the safety of students getting to and from school each day, but this is also a community responsibility. Many school buses are now equipped with cameras, which allows the school bus drivers to share the video with law enforcement.
“It is important to respect these rules and limit unsafe driving practices,” said Lamont County Reeve, David Diduck. “Being safe on our roads ensures our children and those on the road make it home each day.”
Residents can report school bus fly-bys to Lamont County by phoning the RCMP non-emergency lines. #SafeRoads
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[Enclosure: Fly-By Hot Spot Locations (PDF)]
Media inquiries can be directed to:
Jay Zaal,
Communications Coordinator
780-895-2233 Ext. 222
jay.z@lamontcounty.ca | www.lamontcounty.ca/news
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