(SUDBURY/ESPANOLA, ON) – Members of the Sudbury/Espanola Ontario Provincial Police Detachments (OPP) remind motorists that some area students will be back in school on Wednesday, September 3, 2014. With the return of students to classes, school buses will also be 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 at a safe distance 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 face stiff financial penalties of between $400.00 and $2,000.00 and 6 demerit points. A subsequent offence can cost a driver anywhere from $1,000.00 to $4,000.00 in fines plus possible imprisonment. This law also includes that vehicle owners can be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus.
Motorists will also observe the Let’s Remember Adam – Stop for the School Bus road side billboards that were made possible by the generosity of local organizations and businesses. These are an important reminder to stop for a school bus with its red flashing lights and stop arm activated.