TASHI FARMILO
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

QUEBEC – “Did You See Me?”, a school bus safety campaign running from January 27 to February 7, aims to improve student safety. Organized by the Bus Carriers Federation, the campaign’s core message is clear: ensuring students are visible to bus drivers is crucial for their safety.

The Commission scolaire des Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais (CSHBO) is participating in the campaign by planning various educational activities, such as a collectible card game featuring the adventures of Sam and Bloup, to teach children about bus safety. They will be distributing safety brochures to parents, placing awareness posters in daycares, and sharing key messages via social media.

In the Pontiac, École des Petits-Ponts’ network of schools is working alongside the Sûreté du Québec and MRC Pontiac to organize a unique safety activity for students and parents. They will distribute information about safe behaviours and use posters and social media to communicate important bus safety messages to the community.

At Dr. S.E. McDowell Elementary School in Shawville, secretary Leona Lalonde explained they will be providing students with booklets that outline the dos and don’ts of bus safety and will have discussions about respecting bus drivers and following safety guidelines.

One of the key elements of this year’s campaign is the Nathan Ribbon, created to honour Nathan Macameau, a 13-year-old from Amos, Quebec who died on August 27, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the road after getting off his school bus. The loss heightened awareness of the importance of school bus safety. The Nathan Ribbon, a black-and-yellow symbol, now serves as a powerful reminder to always be vigilant when near school buses.

Parents are encouraged to take an active role in reinforcing safety messages at home, reminding children to arrive early at the bus stop, wait in line calmly, sit down immediately once on the bus, and make sure they are visible to the driver before crossing in front of the bus.

For more information and to access campaign materials, visit mastuvu.info.