The Seine River School Division is looking ahead to darker winter mornings as Manitoba moves toward keeping the same time year-round.
Superintendent Colin Campbell says the change will require some adjustment for students, parents, school staff and drivers.
He says buses themselves are well lit, but the division may need to put more emphasis on visibility around schools, particularly when students arrive in the dark.
“We might have to consider […] that our staff are out with high visibility,” Campbell says. “And if we have staff out on crosswalks to make sure that they have all the safety clothing that they need.”
Campbell says the general public will also have to adjust when driving to work or dropping children off at school.
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He says parents can help by making sure children who walk to school are wearing clothing that is easy to see, particularly younger students.
Campbell also says parents should make sure children are waiting at their bus stops when the bus arrives.
He expects the division may send reminders to families as the time change approaches.
Campbell says getting students safely to school will require cooperation from everyone, including drivers who need to watch for children walking or cycling near schools.
“It is a team effort to get everyone to school,” he says.
He points to school zones, where the maximum speed is 30 kilometres per hour, and says drivers slowing down around schools are an important part of keeping students safe.
