Ensuring Safe School Journeys for Every Child

Earlier this year, on a quiet morning in March, Caitlin-Rose McMullan left her home for school and never returned. Her tragic death after disembarking from a school bus devastated her family and shook the entire community.

Call for Urgent Legislation

Stella, Caitlin-Rose's mother, is advocating for laws to safeguard children following several heartbreaking incidents. Concerned voices across Northern Ireland are questioning the lack of legal mandates to ensure the safety of children around school buses. The vulnerability of children in these situations demands immediate action to prevent further tragedies.

International Examples

In the United States and parts of Canada, strict regulations require vehicles to stop when a school bus stops, while in Germany, traffic must slow down drastically. These measures save lives and set positive examples for protecting children during transportation.

Moving Forward

Next week, the SDLP will propose a motion in the NI Assembly, urging the Minister for Infrastructure to implement legislation mandating vehicles to stop for school buses. Immediate actions are crucial to ensure the safety of all children and to honor the memories of those who have been lost. The road safety culture must prioritize protection over convenience to guarantee the well-being of every child during their daily journey to and from school.