NEWMARKET, Ontario – As a leader in student transportation, Stock Transportation recognizes School Bus Safety Week, October 17-23, 2009, and encourages motorists to “Avoid Harm, Obey the Stop Arm.” Motorists should stop when they encounter a stopped school bus with lights flashing and stop arm extended because children are either boarding or leaving the school bus. Passing a stopped school bus puts children in danger.

An estimated 2.5 million children are transported in school buses each day in Canada. School Bus Safety Week spotlights the need for motorists to be alert around school buses.

“To safely transport children to school, bus drivers need the cooperation of other motorists,” said Bob Ramsdell, senior vice president of Driver Operations at Stock Transportation. “It is critical other motorists do not pass a school bus when the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is visible. Doing so puts children at significant risk. We encourage motorists to be aware of students near the bus and for students to follow safety rules.”

Stock Transportation takes great pride in getting kids to school safely, on time, and ready to learn every day and urges motorists to do their part by following these important safety tips:

• Always stop when you see flashing red lights or the stop arm extended on a school bus;
• Watch for children walking or crossing the street near a stopped school bus; and
• Slow down when driving on neighborhood streets, near school bus stops and in school zones.

In observation of this important week of safety awareness, Stock Transportation issued customized “School Bus Safety Week 2009” pins to every employee to acknowledge their continuous commitment to safety, and will be announcing special safety messages each day over the company radio system.

About Stock Transportation
Stock Transportation is one of Canada’s leading providers of student transportation, consistently recognized for its outstanding safety record. Stock partners with school districts in Ontario and Nova Scotia, operating more than 3,500 buses in more than 27 school districts. Our success rests in our employees’ commitment to learning and safe transportation of their passengers "On the Journey of Learning."