With school already underway for some kids and starting soon for others, police are urging you to drive carefully in the morning and afternoon when you see buses on the road.
“Motorists are reminded to exercise caution due to the expected increase in pedestrians, cyclists and school buses, and to give themselves extra commuting time,” says OPP Provincial Constable Barbara Hunter. “Students will undoubtedly be excited to get back to school and may forget some of the rules required for safe travel.”
Hunter says officers will be keeping a close eye on bus routes and roads with schools on them, like John Street in Barry’s Bay, to make sure people are stopping for school buses when their safety lights come on.
“The fine for failing to stop for a school bus is $400 to $2,000 and 6 demerit points for the first offence,” Hunter says. “Subsequent offences carry a fine between $1,000 and $4,000, six demerit points and [up to six months of] possible jail time.”
Meanwhile, if you’re a parent and your child will be cycling or walking to school this year, Hunter says you should have a conversation with them about the rules of the road and how to travel safely.
Written by Steve Berard
