TASMANIAN BUS ASSOCIATION

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Media Release

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TASMANIAN BUS ASSOCIATION URGES MOTORIST CAUTION WHEN CHILDREN RETURN TO SCHOOL

The Tasmanian Bus Association (TBA) has joined the Minister for Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, Bryan Green, in urging Tasmanian motorists to take extra care when travelling through school zones.

TBA General Manager Geoff Lewis said it was everyone’s responsibility to make sure Tasmanian school children stayed safe on the State’s roads when they returned to school on Monday.

“While safety is a prime area of concern for our members every day of the year, it is important that we take the opportunity to remind motorists that when school resumes there are additional risks,” he said.

“Children getting on and off buses are vulnerable to being struck by a passing car once they have left the bus and are crossing the road.

"And while we are urging motorists to be careful, parents can do their bit by avoiding parking on the opposite side of the road when meeting their children at the bus stop.

“Motorists need to be very, very careful when approaching a school bus and be patient when students are disembarking. 

“Motorists are required by law to slow down to 40 kilometres per hour when passing a stationary bus with warning lights operating."

Mr Lewis said it was important to note that Tasmanian school buses had an exceptional safety record in Tasmania, a record the TBA would like to maintain. 

He said TBA members provided transport on school bus services each day throughout the State for approximately 20,000 students.

Mr Lewis said his organization supports all initiatives introduced by the Tasmanian Government that improves safety for bus users.

For further information contact:

Geoff Lewis Tel: 0409 287 678