The First Rider program was in full force at the Ecole Secondaire Notre Dame High School teaching new students the safety techniques behind becoming a regular school bus user. The event was catered towards pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students and for some it was the first time they had ever been on or around school buses.

“We encourage all students to attend this event even though they may not be using the school bus every day to and from school. At some point in your school career, you’re going to take the school bus whether that’s on a sporting event or whether that’s on a school trip,” explained Haleigh Packer, spokesperson for Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.

The program included a variety of safety learning activities that taught the students safe distances and danger zones of the bus, how to evacuate a bus, and even gave students their first ride.

“The students will be led through stations. First, they get to watch a video on school bus safety, then they get to be divided out based on if they’re on a rural student or a city student. They get to learn about school bus safety zones which are super important to know--where to stand and where to wait for the school bus and it’s also really important for parents to know,” explained Packer.

School busses getting back on the road means that drivers also have to take extra precaution and the first rider program recommends the following safety tips:

  • Alternating amber lights means that the school bus is slowing to stop to let students on or off.
  • Slow down and stop for flashing red lights whether you are approaching the bus or following one unless the bus is on the opposite side of a two-way highway that is physically divided by a median.
  • Always use precaution around a school bus even if the lights are not flashing and always be on the lookout for children crossing the road.

“School bus safety is just good to know. You got to be aware of other drivers and the more we can educate people on how to be safe the better it is for the entire school community as well as the local community,” said Packer. 

The event will be hosted throughout Central Alberta by Red Public School Division, Red Deer Catholic School Division, Chinooks Edge School Division and Prairie Bus Lines Limited. The next First Rider program will be offered in Old’s from 3:00pm-7: 00 pm at Ecole Deer Meadows School on June 14th with Chinook’s Edge School Division.