Drivers in the Sault continue to drive past stopped school buses that have their lights flashing and stop signs displayed, despite new measures this year designed to alert motorists.
Police call the behaviour “incredibly dangerous.”
Sault Ste. Marie Police said this week in a news release that they continue to receive complaints from school bus operators about vehicles driving past stopped buses as they pick up or drop off students.
A new safety measure was added this year to all school buses in Ontario. Now there is an amber light affixed to each bus, warning drivers a bus will soon be coming to a stop.
Nevertheless, the incidents of drivers failing to stop appear to continue.
Police urged drivers to “put down their phones” and pay attention to their surroundings, especially around school start and dismissal times in the morning and afternoon.
They also urged parents and guardians, teachers, bus drivers and crossing guards to discuss school bus, road, and bicycle safety with the children in their communities.
Drivers in Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township are reminded that:
• Drivers travelling in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing
• When approaching a bus, stop at a safe distance (20 metres is recommended) to let children get on or off the bus and cross the road
• Do not move forward until the upper red lights have stopped flashing or the bus begins to move
• All motorists, including cyclists, must stop and yield the entire roadway. Only when pedestrians and school crossing guards have completely crossed the road can you continue on your way
A first offence for passing a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing carries a minimum fine of $490 and six demerit points, police warn. Multiple violations can result in larger fines and even jail time.
Vehicle owners can even be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus, even if they are not driving at the time of the violation.
Police also warn drivers not to endanger pedestrians at school crossings. A first offence carries a minimum fine of $365 and four demerit points.