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MOTOR-VEHICLE BRANGH, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS
VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA = VAV 2H3

September, 1974.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

Students return to school in September. As a motorist, you should drive with
extra caution whenever a school bus is near. Most important of all, remember
that traffic in BOTH directions MUST STOP when a stopped school bus flashes
red lights front and rear. As a parent you should remind young people of the
need to follow the school bus safety rules. School bus drivers are well-
trained and they are corscientious about their big responsibility. They do
need the cooperation of ALL motorists. .

Section 142 of the Motor-vehicle Act places the following requirements on a
driver of a vehicle that is approaching a stopped school bus if the school
bus indicates by a sign or flashing red lights that it is stopped to receive
or discharge school children ... (1) The driver of the approaching vehicle
must stop, (2) the driver must remain stopped until the bus resumes motion,
or until the bus driver signals it is safe to proceed,

Failure te stop for a school bus carries a penalty of three demerit points.

SAFE BICYCLE RIDING

Observe all traffic regulations. .
Keep to the right side of the road and ride single file.
Light your bike at night « white light in front and danger signal on rear.
Use bell or horn to warn of approach.
Give pedestrians right-of-way. Do not ride on sidewalks.
Keep sharp look~out for cars pulling into traffic and watch for sudden
opening of auto doors.
Never hitch a ride on other vehicles or race in traffic.
Never ride double. Fasten packagea securely.
Keep bicycle in perfect running condicion. Be sure brakes are operating
efficiently.
10. Slow down at intersections and advance with caution.
11. Use proper hand signals for turning and stopping.
12. Don't weave or swerve in traffic.

Most bicycle accidents are caused by carelessness or Lack of knowledge on the
part of the rider. The greatest number of bicycle accidents occur because of
traffic rule violations and because of improperly equipped and cared for
bicycles. In almost every case, bicycles are subject te the same traffic
regulations as cars. Be alert. Watch traffic signs. Use hand signals. Use
courtesy and caution at all times.

INTERSECTIONS

There are a lot of' things to put you on the defensive at an intersection.

Other drivers make illegal turns, turn without signaling, run red lights, sneak
through on the yellow light, stop halfway into the intersection on the cross
street. Pedestrians jaywalk, cross against the lights, completely ignore traffic.

But your actions at an intersection could trigger an accident. Eliminate the
possibility by knowing in advance what you are going to do. Last=«second decisions
invite trouble, Slow down as you approach an intersection, especially if your
light has been green for a long time. Let other drivers know what you are going
to do by getting in the proper position early und signaling your intentions far
enough in advance so they can safely take whatever action is required, Be
prepared to yield the vight-of-way to any pedestrian or driver whether they are
in the righe or wrong. DRIVE DEFENSIVELY,

PLEASE FASTEN SEAT BELTS