Drivers urged to be cautious near school buses

Orkney Islands Council is urging all drivers to be considerate and remain patient when driving around schools and school buses.

The reminder comes after reports of a driver overtaking and sounding the horn at a stationary bus with pupils boarding and at the car waiting behind the bus.

Councillor Andrew Drever, chairman of the Orkney Road Safety Forum said: “There are over 1,300 pupils accessing school transport throughout Orkney covering over 70 bus routes on the mainland and the isles.

“These buses travel at the same time that folk are generally going to and from work which can mean roads and areas around schools can be congested and drivers may be in a rush.

“It’s important that drivers be considerate while on the road when approaching stationary school buses as it is possible that some pupils may cross the roads either before boarding on the way to school, or after alighting the school bus on the return journey.

“In order to keep everyone safe we all need to show consideration for road users and think about the consequences of injury or death should there be a collision.

“Please be aware of stationary school buses and always be prepared to stop.  Drivers should also be mindful not to signal pupils to cross the road, as they may not be able see fully if the road is clear in both directions.”

A few more things to remember if driving near school transport:

• Buses stop frequently to allow pupils to get on and off the bus. It is important that drivers remain patient and courteous and be aware of other road users.   

• The school bus can act as a visual barrier to oncoming traffic so it is important to decrease speed and be aware of pedestrians and other vehicles. 

• School zone speed limits are 20mph. These are activated with flashing lights at various times throughout the day, and drivers must reduce speed when the signs are flashing.

Chief Inspector Eddie Graham, Police Scotland’s area commander for Orkney, added: “With the darker mornings and evenings there is a need for road users to be increasingly vigilant when encountering school buses.

“I would ask that drivers be patient and give school pupils the time to get on and off buses safely. No journey is that pressing that it justifies risking the lives of children.

“Better to be late a couple of minutes than have to live with the tragic consequences of killing or injuring a child.”

For more information visit the council’s Road Safety Plan.