The infrastructure minister is planning to bring forward legislation to prohibit drivers overtaking school buses which have stopped to drop off or pick up their passengers.
There have been calls for new laws to improve school bus safety in Northern Ireland after an 11-year-old girl died following being struck by a vehicle When leaving a school bus in Castledawson, County Londonderry, in March.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmons stated that "sad incidents" have underscored the importance of ensuring the safety of children when they board or disembark from school buses.
She stated that enhancing legislation regarding this matter is crucial for better safeguarding children's safety in the area.
'Lives being devastated'
Caitlin-Rose McMullan passed away after she was struck by a vehicle while getting off her school bus in March.
The student from St Pius X College in Magherafelt was characterized by her school as "an exceptionally likable individual known for her constant smile."
Currently in Northern Ireland there is no legal requirement for other vehicles to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off pupils.
In some parts of the United States, it is a motoring offence to overtake a school bus when it has stopped.
In these areas, safety measures consist of retractable stop signs located on the left side of buses. These signs flash either amber or red to indicate when children are disembarking.
Kimmins, who declared her plan to introduce the legislation, mentioned she has requested her department officials to "examine the matter."
She stated that too many households have experienced their worlds being destroyed upon hearing the most devastating news following a family member’s departure for an ordinary trip.
"I have met grieving families and heard their heart breaking stories. I am committing to introducing legislation to help prevent more lives being devastated."
'Slow down'
She added: "Whilst legislation is being prepared, there are actions we can all take that will help us reach our goal - take more care on the roads, slow down and ignore our mobile phones.
"Have conversations about our shared responsibility as road users with our family and friends to ensure road safety messaging reaches as wide an audience as possible."
The minister also said he department is using other measures to improve road safety including "20mph zones around schools and work on the delivery of the Graduated Driver Licensing scheme".
- Schoolgirl's death prompts calls for new school bus laws
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