(LONDON, ON.) – West Region OPP are reminding motorists that on Tuesday morning, Ontario roadways will again be dotted with thousands of school buses returning to school. After the long summer vacation, it’s important for motorists to remember to drive safely around school buses and their precious cargo: our children.
When motorists see a school bus stopped on the roadway with its red lights activated and “Stop†sign out, they must come to a complete stop in-front of and /or 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 failing to stop for a school bus rests on the owner of the vehicle.
Motorists must also slow down in School Safety Zones and be prepared to stop for crossing guards. Police will be extra vigilant Tuesday morning to ensure drivers obey School Bus operators and 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 buses