By Pamela Hiebert, Trustee
The tragic story of the Humboldt Broncos is a stark reminder of the importance of bus safety. On April 6, 2018, a truck failed to stop at a rural intersection and collided with a bus carrying a SJHL hockey team. I remember the day vividly as my 9-year-old son, a passionate hockey player, shared his thoughts with me. He spoke about how his teammates were like brothers to him, spending countless hours together on the ice, learning each others’ habits and forming bonds that went beyond the rink. The thought of losing any of them was unbearable. This conversation highlighted the critical need for vigilance and care when driving, particularly around school buses.
School buses carry our most precious cargo—our children. The stop sign on the driver’s side of the bus is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a lifeline. It signals to oncoming traffic that children may be crossing the road, and passing a bus with its stop sign extended can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines, or worse - serious injuries. Bus drivers are responsible for ensuring the safety of a bus full of children, and we must support them by driving cautiously and attentively. Remember that these buses are carrying our future during morning pick-ups and afternoon drop-offs. Let’s drive with the utmost care and ensure that every child reaches their destination safely.
Parents also play a vital role in supporting school bus safety. Encouraging children to stay seated while the bus is in motion helps the driver stay alert and prevents injuries from falls, especially during sudden stops. It’s equally important to teach children to be alert while waiting for the bus, particularly in winter when icy sidewalks can pose a hazard. Slipping on an icy snowbank could cause a child to fall under the bus, a situation the driver might not see. Ensuring that children wait well away from the road and are visible to the driver is crucial.
When getting off the bus, children should always look both ways before crossing the street, even when the stop sign is activated. They seem like simple principles, but children often forget, and we need to regularly remind them so that they know how to act safely around a school bus. While these stories are not meant to instill fear, they serve as important reminders that safety is a collective responsibility. Parents can help ensure that every child travels safely to and from school by reinforcing appropriate behaviour on the bus and around bus stops.
I recall my childhood memories of riding the bus to school every morning and returning home in the afternoon. For many years, Mr. Wieler was my bus driver. He was always a friendly man who left a lasting impression on all the children with his gentle care and genuine concern for our well-being. I wasn’t always the most well-behaved student on that bus and would sometimes get a bit rambunctious in my seat. Whenever that happened, Mr. Wieler would gently remind me that I might get hurt if he had to brake suddenly. His concern for my safety was always evident.
Even long after Mr. Wieler stopped driving the bus, he remembered my name, and I remembered him. Many others who rode his bus would remember him fondly as well. His kindness and dedication significantly impacted our lives, teaching us the importance of safety and care.
Do you have a memorable bus driver who made a difference in your life? Sharing these stories can help highlight bus drivers' vital roles in our communities and remind us of the importance of school bus safety. Whether it was a driver who went the extra mile to ensure your safety, someone who offered a kind word when you needed it, or simply a friendly face you looked forward to seeing each day, your story can inspire others to appreciate and support the bus drivers who transport our children safely every day. Feel free to share your story and honour those who have positively impacted your journey.