(New Tecumseth, ON) – On the 5th of September 2014, shortly after 4:00 p.m. officers from the Nottawasaga OPP as well as Emergency Personnel responded to reports that a 12 year old boy was injured; after being struck by a motor vehicle on John W Taylor Avenue in the Town of New Tecumseth. .
It was learned that a school bus with the cross lights activated was off loading students at that time, including the injured 12 year old boy. The boy had exited the bus, and proceeded towards the back of the bus, to cross the road. When the boy began to cross the road the cross lights were deactivated on the bus and a motor vehicle travelling in the opposite direction collided with the boy. No charges were laid.
The 12 year old boy sustained minor head injuries and was transported to the hospital by ambulance, where he was later released to his parents.
The OPP are reminding motorists that when travelling on all roadways to be extra vigilant and cautious during the hours when students are getting on or off the school bus and/or walking to or from school.
Drivers are reminded that….
– when approaching or following a School Bus they are required to Stop when the overhead red signal-lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.
· continue to scan your surrounding area upon departing a school bus that has just off-loaded students.
· no vehicles can resume travel until the red signal-lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is retracted and the bus starts moving;
· slow down in a Community Safety Zone. Fine amounts are doubled for speeding in a Community Safety Zone.
The set fine for disobeying this law amounts to $490 and 6 demerit points.
Please remember it is everyone’s responsibility to keep our Communities Safe.