(LONDON, ON.) – Members of the Western Region OPP are alerting motorists to the fact that come Tuesday morning, Ontario roadways will be dotted with thousands of Chrome Yellow school busses! These busses are filled with our most valuable cargo; our children. Motorists need to always drive safe around busses.
When motorist observe chrome yellow school busses stopped on the roadway with its red lights activate and stop arm out, they must come to a complete stop in-front of and behind the bus. Motorists must not pass the stopped bus until the stop arm is retracted and the red lights are turned off. The fine for passing a school bus is $490.00. Liability to stop for a school bus rests on the owner of the vehicle.
Motorist must also be prepared to stop for Crossing Guards as well and slow down in School Safety Zones. Police will be extra vigilant Tuesday morning ensuring that drivers obey School Bus operators as well as School Crossing guards across the region.
“Passing a stopped school bus on the roadway with the red lights on and the stop arm activated is a dangerous act with severe consequences. Caution must always be exercised by motorists when around school busses, parked, stopped or otherwise,†says Western Region OPP Traffic and Marine Inspector Mark Wright.
OPP remind caregivers to speak to their children about the importance of getting on and off busses safely and to obey all the bus and road safety rules at all times. Taking a few minutes to talk to your children about safety can be the difference between life and death. It’s worth the time.