Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding everyone on the road of bus safety practices amid National School Bus Safety Week.
In Ontario, 833,000 students are taken to and from school via bus, which is why OPP believe it's important to continue educating motorists.
When driving on a road without a median, drivers travelling in both directions must stop for a school bus stopped with its red lights flashing and/or it's stop arm out. When approaching the bus, leave a safe distance for kids to get off or on and cross the road, remaining stopped until the lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm isn't activated.
"Perth County OPP members will continue to focus officer patrols on school bus safety, this week and throughout the school year," said Staff Sergeant David Sinko. "Through education and enforcement, we will support the safety of all children as they travel to and from school each day."
The maximum fine for failure to stop for a stopped school bus is $4,000, imprisonment, sometimes both, and six demerit points. If a driver can't be identified, the registered owner in the incident may be charged.
National School Bus Safety Week runs from October 16-20, 2023.
