The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Manitoba government is providing $253,950 to fund the equipping of 1,693 school buses with strobe lights, following a successful pilot project that was expanded significantly in 2002, Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson announced yesterday. "Strobe lights make school buses more visible and add another tool to ensure the safety of children who travel to and from school on these buses," Bjornson said. "A one-time grant to cover the cost of buying strobe lights will be mailed to school divisions across Manitoba this week." A total of 36 school divisions, three private schools and one school bus contractor applied for the grant of $150 per strobe light. The grant is retroactive to the date when strobe lights were purchased for the buses. The pilot project began in September 2000 and was expanded in June 2001 and again in September 2002. The Highway Traffic Act requires motorists to stop at least five metres from the front and rear of a stopped school bus that is displaying signals. Drivers travelling in both directions must not pass the buses when warning lights are activated and stop signs are extended, unless they are on the other side of a divided highway. To further enhance safety, fines for passing a stopped school bus were recently increased. Currently, failing to stop for a school bus displaying the signals carries a fine of $530 and two demerit points on the driver's licence. Manitoba school buses are equipped with safety features that make them among the safest vehicles on the road. These features include an eight-light warning system and stop arm, crossing gates, laminated safety glass, high seat backs, roof hatches, retro-reflective markings, heated mirrors and anti-lock brakes on new vehicles. "The Manitoba government is committed to supporting proven successes and promoting education initiatives that ensure our productivity and effectiveness as a society," Bjornson said. "Education is a shared experience as well as a shared success and, during Education Week, it is very important to remember front line educators and the crucial role they play in preparing each new generation for the future."
