(RENFREW, ON) – The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are urging motorists to pay attention and stop for school buses after a child was nearly struck. On Wednesday January 29 at approximately 2:30pm a school bus was stopped on Highway 60 near Douglas. Two children had exited the school bus was with the lights activated and stop sign extended and were met by a parent. The three then began to cross the Highway when a westbound vehicle drove by the bus and almost struck one of the children. This is the second time in the last week the children at this stop have almost been struck by a motorist ignoring the flashing lights on the stopped school bus.
The public is reminded that every driver on a highway while meeting or following a stopped school bus that has its overhead red signal-lights flashing shall stop before reaching the bus and shall not proceed until the bus moves or the overhead red signal-lights have stopped flashing. (Section 175(11) of the Highway Traffic Act) The owner of a motor vehicle can be charged for the offence, regardless of whether or not they were driving at the time. The OPP does not want to see a tragedy occur prior to drivers getting the message. Stop for the school bus when signals are activated!
