Published January 31, 2024

TASHI FARMILO
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

QUÉBEC – The Federation of Bus Transporters is launching its annual “M’as-tu vu ?/Did you see me?” campaign, calling on road users, schools, students and parents to enhance safety on and around school buses through various measures and precautions. The awareness campaign spans from January 29 to February 9.

The campaign’s central theme, prominently featured in its online content and YouTube series, emphasizes school buses aren’t just vehicles, but protectors of young lives. The initiative highlights the necessity of vigilant driving near school buses, advising drivers to slow down for flashing yellow lights and to stop at least 5 meters away when confronted with flashing red lights or the bus’ extended stop sign. The YouTube videos play a crucial role in the campaign, demonstrating the critical importance of alert drivers and safe bus operations in safeguarding children. The videos showcase appropriate reactions to various traffic situations involving school buses, using relatable stories to educate and foster safer driving habits.

Schools like Dr. Wilbert Keon in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes are actively participating in the “M’as du vu?/Did you see me?” campaign with unique safety activities and strategies. Klinda Brennan, a teacher at the school, elaborated: “We take part in the “M’as du vu?/Did you see me?” campaign every year with various activities to promote bus safety, including visits and presentations from bus drivers, which are much more effective when conducted on the bus itself. We also try to arrange visits from the Lasalle mascot ‘Bubus’. Our approach includes using YouTube videos on bus safety, and displaying posters and artwork around the school, which involves coloring sheets and crafts. Additionally, we organize a drawing contest for posters, brochures, and banners, which is coordinated by Lasalle Bus Lines. Our curriculum involves reading books on bus safety and bus safety modeling. To reinforce these messages, we frequently remind students of bus safety rules and have drama classes where they can reenact them – an activity students absolutely love. Furthermore, we conduct frequent check-ins with bus drivers, when necessary, to address school bus behavior.”

In addition to road safety, the campaign sheds light on the often unrecognized dedication of school bus drivers. On the campaign’s social media page, Diane Loranger, a driver with 35 years of experience, spoke passionately about her profession, emphasizing the importance of recognition and gratitude for bus drivers throughout the year. “[We’re repsonsible for] the most precious cargo one could ever have,” she said.

The “M’as du vu?/Did you see me?” campaign is a crucial reminder of the shared responsibility of road users to ensure the safety of children. It aims to instill a culture of vigilance and respect around school buses, ultimately creating a safer environment for everyone. For more information about the campaign and its initiatives, visit www.mastuvu.info.

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