Wednesday, September 2, 2009

STOP FOR THE SCHOOL BUS - A REMINDER TO MOTORISTS

(Sault Ste. Marie, ON) – OPP would like to remind motorists that when a school bus stops to pick up or unload passengers, the upper red lights will begin to flash and the STOP arm will swing out. The lights will continue to flash and the STOP are will stay out while the bus is stopped, allowing passengers to board or exit the bus and safely cross the road.

All motorists travelling in both directions must stop, regardless of the posted speed limit – 20 metres if you are coming from behind the bus, and a safe distance when approaching from the opposite direction.

The only exception is on a road divided by a median.

Motorists may proceed only when the lights stop flashing, the STOP arm folds away and the bus begins to move.

Failing to stop can result in a fine upon conviction.

For a first offence, the fine can range from $400.00 to $2,000 dollars and 6 demerit points.

A subsequent offence can result in a fine from $1,000 to $4,000 dollars, 6 demerit points and possible imprisonment.

Within Community Safety Zones, the fines under the Highway Traffic Act are doubled.

Watch for the signs, watch your speed and watch for stopped school buses.

Help keep school bus travel safe.

WORKING THE ROAD TO SAVE LIVES
Long Weekend Enforcement Efforts Slow Traffic Down

(Northeastern Ontario) It’s often all about fun in the great outdoors during the Labour Day Weekend and with that fun comes responsibility.

Motorists need to reduce their speed, and pay attention to what’s ahead on the road to increase their safety odds. Aggressive driving, impaired driving and seat belt compliance continue to be the focus of the OPP Labour Day traffic enforcement plan for safer highway travel during the final long weekend of the summer.

This year, in the North East Region, 25 people were killed in traffic collisions and another 768 were injured. Nine lost their lives on the water (in boating incidents) and not one of those drowning victims was wearing a life jacket. Alcohol was a factor in 3 of the boating occurrences.

“The many fast moving water drowning deaths this spring and summer are all the more tragic given that life jackets were available to the victims who simply chose not to wear them,” explains Chief Superintendent Scott Tod – Regional Commander-North East Region. “Please, expect the unexpected and wear your life jacket – always!”

Police will be concentrating on highway traffic patrols during the peak travel days of Friday and Monday, and on waterway/trail patrol Saturday and Sunday, when boat and ATV enthusiasts are more likely to take to the water and trails, themselves.

“Our main enforcement objective is to slow traffic down,” explains Inspector Garry MacPherson. “Officers will take a no nonsense approach to tailgating and other aggressive driving behaviour that tend to force other road users into dangerous situations. The higher the speed - the more severe the impact and even a small reduction in speed can make a big difference in a driver’s ability to avoid a collision. “

Crashes not only include other vehicles. If you drive in Northern Ontario, the possibility of meeting nature’s wildlife is present at every turn. Animals are difficult to spot - even harder to avoid. Colliding with a moose is like hitting a car. Drivers are urged to stay alert behind the wheel.
Be safe-stay safe!