School Bus Safety: Everyone’s Responsibility  

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Another school year has begun, and with that comes the classic sight of the big yellow school bus. While a foundational part of many children’s school experience, the sight of the yellow bus is a good time to remember to be extra cautious on the road.

Angela Baron, Director of Communications, Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS), is happy to share some tips for the current school year – and beyond.

“Slow down and pay attention when approaching or following a school bus. Give buses plenty of room and be prepared for them to stop,” she says. “Watch the lights on the bus. Amber flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop to pick up or drop off students. Once the bus stops, the lights will change to flashing red and the crossing arm will come out.”

Note that in the communities and rural areas served by Prairie Rose Public Schools, drivers are required to stop for a school bus when its red lights are flashing and students are being picked up or dropped off. However, the City of Medicine Hat is an exception. A city bylaw allows traffic to continue past a stopped school bus within Medicine Hat city limits.

Regardless of the location, use extreme caution.

“Always watch for students around a stopped bus. Students may need to cross the road before getting on or after getting off the bus,” Baron says.

The bus division makes it easy to know if students are on the bus. Baron says, “Prairie Rose buses have strobe lights on top. When the strobe lights are on, it means students are on board.”

The responsibility extends to bus riders too. Baron has some great tips for the students.

“Be at the bus stop a few minutes early so you aren’t rushing to catch the bus. Wait safely back from the road until the bus has come to a complete stop. If you need to cross the road, wait for the bus driver to signal that it is safe to cross. Listen to the bus driver and follow their directions.  Stay seated while the bus is moving and keep the aisle clear. When getting off, make sure the driver can see you, and stay a safe distance from the bus.”

 Two very important rules are, “Never walk behind the bus, and if you drop something near or under the bus, don’t try to get it yourself. Let the driver know.”

At present, parents and guardians should have their pickup and drop off times, as these are provided from each bus driver. Bus route information is available on the Prairie Rose Public Schools website at myprps.com.

 “Families are notified of bus delays, cancellations, and other important transportation updates through Prairie Rose communication channels. Some adjustments to routes are common during the first week of school, as student transportation needs are confirmed. Once routes are finalized, route maps will also be available on the Prairie Rose website,” Baron adds.

Here are some fun facts about the PRPS busing system! Did you know that Prairie Rose covers more than 30,000 square kilometres across southeast Alberta, in addition to providing transportation for some Calgary school communities? This is possible thanks to 89 bus routes across all of the communities. 

“Our drivers cover a lot of ground every school day to get students safely to school and home again,” says Baron.

 The yellow school bus is a sure sign that fall has begun, and a familiar tradition is back on the road. Remember to keep safety top of mind. School bus safety is something the entire community must participate in, this year and every year.