It’s Time to Start Thinking About School Safety

In just over one week, the children of Huron County will be heading back to school. As the commercial jingle says “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”. There will be much more traffic on the roadway that will also make it a very hectic time of the year.

Parents, we urge you to remind your children to walk and bike safely. All bikers under 18 are to be wearing a bike helmet. We ask that bikers keep their eyes and ears open for vehicles as many motorists do not pay attention to cyclists and walkers. I’m telling you this from numerous personal incidents on my own bike. Cyclists are required to follow the rules of the road just as other vehicles. The roadway is not the place for any stunt driving. Walkers please stay on the sidewalks and cross at intersections.

As for school busses, Huron OPP Detachment Commander Inspector Dan Grant would like to remind all motorists of the legislation which took effect on September 1st, 2005 that allows vehicle owners to be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Previously, only the driver could be charged if he/she was identified. The total fine for failing to stop for a school bus is $490 and up to $2000 and six (6) demerit points. Each subsequent offence includes a fine of $1,000 up to $4,000, six (6) demerit points and possible jail time up to six (6) months.

Drivers should also remember that whether on a city street, highway or township road, and regardless of the speed limit and the number of lanes, motorists travelling in both directions must stop when approaching a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing and stop arm extended. The only exception: on highways separated by a median, traffic coming from the opposite direction is NOT required to stop.

The safety of our children remains our number one priority.

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