Skip to content

Motorists reminded to always stop for red flashing lights

A near miss where a vehicle passed a school bus while its red lights were flashing and students were about to cross the road happened in October in the St. Paul area. Motorists are reminded to always stop when red lights are flashing.
n1508p37001h

LAKELAND - School divisions across the region will be recognizing the third week of October as School Bus Safety Week and using the opportunity to remind motorists to be mindful of school buses and stop when red lights are flashing.  

According to information from St. Paul Education’s secretary-treasurer Jean Champagne, National School Bus Safety Week is an active public education program that acts as an opportunity for the public to “join forces and address the importance of school bus safety.” 

Champagne stated that there was a “near miss” incident on Oct. 5 on Range Road 95 (Golf Drive North) within the County of St. Paul where students who were about to cross the road and board a bus were nearly hit.  

According to Champagne, a truck ignored the flashing red lights of the school bus and passed by. 

Director of Transportation and Facilities Doug Fedoruk said the incident happened at about at 8:05 a.m. and the bus driver was able to alert the students. 

“We are thankful no one was injured but it was a close call,” said Champagne. “We are wanting to remind drivers that when they encounter a bus with flashing red lights they must stop when approaching in either direction.” 

According to Alberta Rules of the Road, people who pass a school bus with flashing red lights can be fined $567 and lose six driving demerits. 

“A near miss such as this [Oct. 5 incident] rattles students, parents, bus drivers and administrators,” stated Champagne. “On a clear day, a bus is hard to miss on the road, so one doesn’t know if it is inattention, ignorance of the law, or a deliberate action.” 

The plate number of the suspect vehicle is unknown. 

While RCMP did not have any information available about the Oct. 5 incident, Kellieka Formanek, Detachment Services Assistant and Media Relations Officer at the St. Paul Detachment, says that there was a school bus related complaint received in September.  

"It was an incident where a couple vehicles were passing a school bus that had stopped to let children onto the bus,” explained Formanek. 

She added, “The reminder is to stop and wait for the school bus while they are loading/unloading children, and not pass. This applies to vehicles following the bus and approaching the bus.” 

Alternating amber lights signal that the bus is about to slow down to let children on or off the bus. 

“Red flashing lights indicate the bus is stopped to let the children on or off, and traffic should not proceed until the lights have turned off,” said Formanek. 

She encourages motorists to always keep a lookout for children around school buses, even when lights are not activated. 

If you witness a vehicle passing a school bus while its red lights are flashing, it should be reported to local RCMP. Motorists can also call their local school division if they witness a similar incident. 

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks