Watch for buses and children as new school year begins
Administrator | Sep 02, 2013 | Comments 0
School days begin for a new year Tuesday and motorists are warned to watch for children, especially in school zones, and drive safely near school buses.
Prince Edward County OPP Community Services Officer Anthony Mann reminds motorists to stop for a school bus when its overhead lights are flashing and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing or the bus begins to move.
Motorists should also leave space around school buses so children can safely board and exit the bus.
Drivers should be prepared to stop for a school bus at any time, not just during school hours. They should also slow down, drive with extra caution and watch for children in school zones and stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and school crossings.
Parents can also do their part to keep children safe by reminding them to stay alert and watch for other vehicles when getting on or off the school bus.
“Many of our children walk to school and motorists should also be aware of the increased pedestrian traffic as children make their way for their first exciting day,” said Mann. “Reduce your speed in school zones and be extra cautious.”
More than 818,000 students travel in about 18,000 school vehicles every day in Ontario.
In 2008, the Ontario government made crossing arms on the front all school buses mandatory. Since 2010, new school buses require lights that illuminate the area around the entrance and exit doors of the bus.
Drivers can be fined up to $2,000 and six demerit points for failing to stop for a school bus.
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