SCHOOL BUSES BACK ON ROADWAYS

(OXFORD COUNTY, ON) Members of the Oxford County Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.) remind motorists that area students are back in school. With the return of students to classes, school buses are also highly visible on area roadways. School bus travel is one of the safest methods of transportation; however safety practices need to remain top of mind with the motoring public, parents, caregivers, students, crossing guards and bus operators.

Motorists must keep a safe distance away from a stopped school bus with the red overhead lights flashing and stop arm extended. When following a school bus, Ontario law requires vehicles to stop 20 meters behind the bus. When meeting a school bus in oncoming traffic, vehicles must stop far enough away to allow students to cross well ahead of the bus bumper. It is important to remain stopped until the school bus stop arm has been folded in again, and the overhead red lights have stopped flashing.

Drivers who fail to comply with this law may face financial penalties ranging from $400 to $2000 and 6 demerit points. A subsequent offence can cost a driver anywhere from $1000 to $4000 in fines plus possible imprisonment. This law also includes that vehicle owners can be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus.

The O.P.P. would like to remind drivers that they must stop for a school bus that is stopped and has all its emergency equipment activated. The safety of our children in and around school buses is paramount.

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