he Huntsville O.P.P. detachment want the general public to be aware this is School Bus Safety Week. It is a public education initiative and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties – to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety.
While the education of children comes from their schools and parents, the focus of the Huntsville O.P.P. is to educate the public and ultimately prevent injuries related to children using school buses, either getting on or off.
Of course, drivers have the responsibility to ensure they are alert around school buses that are slowing down or stopping. School bus drivers are very aware of traffic around them and give motorists enough warning when they are about to slow or stop using either flashing amber lights and then flashing red lights with the stop sign/arm.
The consequences to drivers for failing to stop for a school bus are significant in Ontario and penalties include: $490 fine, 6 demerit points on driver’s license, a 30-day license suspension for G1 or G2 novice drivers. Drivers could also see potential insurance premium increases.
It should be noted that where the driver cannot be identified, the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario allows for the owner of the vehicle to be charged for the offense.
Here is how drivers can contribute to the safety of school children:
Rules for Stopping
- Distance: You must stop at least 20 metres away from the school bus.
- Direction of Travel:
o On an undivided road, drivers approaching from both directions must come to a complete stop. Simply painted lines or a double-yellow center line do not count as a physical median. An example would be multi-lane Highways such as Highway 60.
o Where there is a physical median or barrier, oncoming traffic from the opposite direction is not required to stop
- When to Move: You cannot proceed until the overhead red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is completely retracted, and the bus begins to move.
Traffic safety remains a top priority of the OPP and a key component of its public safety mandate.
The Huntsville OPP request that anyone can report a crime by contacting the Huntsville OPP at 705-789-5551 or 1-888-310-1122 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.
