MPI cautions road users as school begins

Manitoba Public Insurance is asking Manitobans to be alert to increased road activity as school resumes across the province.

In a Tuesday press release, MPI vice president and chief customer and product officer Maria Campos said a new school year is exciting for children and safety is paramount.

“Children are not always predictable, so for motorists and parents, the focus needs to be on the road,” she said. “Reduced speed zones help slow everything down and allow for extra reaction time.”

MPI also reminds motorists that they need to stop at least five metres behind school buses when the red lights are flashing and they cannot proceed until the stop sign is closed. Oncoming motorists need to stop with enough distance to allow for children to get on or off the bus and cross the road.

In 2024, there were 119 collisions involving a school bus.

Other recommended safety tips include:

• Cross the street at marked intersections, preferably those controlled by school safety patrols, signs or traffic control signals.

• When crossing the street, cross as quickly as possible to minimize time on the roadway.

• Look well ahead to spot school buses and school zone signs.

• Wait for children to cross the street completely before proceeding.

• Make lane changes early to allow room for children on bicycles, skateboards, or roller blades.

• If you are driving your children to school, drop them off in a safe area, away from traffic. Use a designated drop-off zone if the school has one.