The Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are asking all motorists to take a moment when getting behind the wheel, to consider the safety of our students as they return to school next week and the importance of driving cautiously around school buses and school zones.
Officers will be conducting dedicated patrols and enforcement in school zones in a continued effort to keep our students safe. Motorists are also encouraged to contact police if they observe any unsafe driving.
Motorists are required to stop when approaching a school bus with its lights flashing. This year, school buses will further display amber lights, further notifying motorists that the bus will be stopping.
Drivers cannot start moving until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm has been retracted and the bus has started to move.
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)
If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
