The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind all motorists to think of the safety of our area students as they return to school next week and the importance of driving cautiously around school buses and school zones.
Beginning September 1, 2021, officers will be focusing on school zones and identified problem areas in Peterborough County in a continued effort to keep our students safe.
Motorists are also encouraged to contact police if they observe any unsafe driving.
OPP officers receive numerous complaints at the beginning of every school year from bus drivers stating that motorists are not stopping when children are getting on and off the bus when the bus has its red lights flashing and stop sign extended.
No students have been injured but dangerous situations were created.
Drivers cannot start moving until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm has been retracted and the bus has started to move.
This includes all vehicles travelling on all lanes of multi lane highways with no median.
Fines for not doing so:
• First offence $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points
• Each following offence, $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points and possible jail time, (up to six months)
Tragedies can happen anywhere at any time.
Taking a few extra moments when travelling near buses or at school crosswalks can be the difference between a tragic incident and getting to a destination safely.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility including motorists, pedestrians, parents, educators and police.
If we work together by making an effort to obey the rules of the road and being a courteous driver we can improve the safety on roads.
To serve our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.
