SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – With the start of the 2026-2027 school year this week, the Section School Bussing of the Inspectorate of Economic Affairs and Transport Affairs is reminding school bus drivers, parents, guardians, students, and motorists that safety must remain the highest priority when transporting children to and from school.
Section School Bussing is calling on all road users to exercise additional caution, particularly in school zones, residential neighborhoods, and areas where children are regularly picked up and dropped off. Children may be walking, cycling, crossing roads, or waiting for transportation and may not always be immediately visible to motorists, particularly around parked vehicles.
Motorists are reminded to obey all posted speed limits, remain alert near schools and pedestrian crossings, and comply with traffic regulations governing school buses. Drivers should exercise patience when approaching or passing areas where children are entering or exiting a school bus and follow all instructions and signals intended to protect students.
A few additional seconds of caution and attention can prevent a serious accident. Motorists should therefore eliminate distractions while driving and remain especially vigilant during the morning and afternoon periods when students are travelling to and from school.
Students who make use of school buses also have an important role to play in ensuring a safe journey. They are encouraged to arrive at their designated pick-up location on time and wait at a safe distance from the roadway. When boarding or exiting the bus, students should remain alert, avoid distractions from mobile phones or headphones, and follow the instructions of the school bus driver.
While travelling on the school bus, all students must remain seated and face forward. Students should refrain from behavior that could distract the driver and should never cross in front of a school bus unless they have confirmed that it is safe to do so.
Section School Bussing is also reminding all school bus drivers of their responsibilities while transporting students. Drivers are expected to comply fully with the rules of the road, including established speed limits, and to operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible manner at all times.
School bus drivers are prohibited from transporting unauthorized persons while providing school transportation services with students onboard. Drivers are also expected to be properly and fully dressed, maintain good personal hygiene, and wear appropriate closed footwear while operating a school bus.
Electronic devices or accessories that may distract a driver, including headphones and headsets, should not be used while operating a school bus with students onboard. Drivers must remain fully focused on the road, surrounding traffic conditions, and the safety of the children entrusted to their care.
School bus drivers are strongly advised to adhere to all applicable traffic and transportation regulations. Violations that place students or other road users at risk may result in criminal and/or administrative measures in accordance with applicable regulations.
Both students and school bus drivers are expected to cooperate fully and immediately with instructions provided by the School Bus Controller and other authorized law enforcement or inspection officers.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to reinforce school bus safety practices with their children throughout the school year. Children should understand the importance of following the driver's instructions, remaining seated, behaving responsibly onboard, and exercising caution when approaching or leaving a school bus.
Section School Bussing would like to prevent accidents and incidents throughout the 2026-2027 school year and emphasizes that school transportation safety is a shared responsibility involving drivers, students, parents, guardians, motorists, schools, and the relevant authorities.
The safety and well-being of school children remain paramount. Section School Bussing wishes all students, parents, educators, and school bus operators a safe and successful 2026-2027 school year and looks forward to everyone's cooperation in ensuring that every student arrives at school and returns home safely.
