Failing to stop for school bus comes with hefty fines: OPP

It's that time of year again — children are heading back to school, and the Ontario Provincial Police is reminding all motorist to make sure they stop for school buses as they load and unload children.

Motorists also need to keep a lookout for children walking along side streets.

“Ensuring the safety of students who walk to school and enter and exit the bus is crucial,” said the OPP.

In Ontario, more than 800,000 children and teenagers ride safely, in more than 18,000 school buses, each day.

The law requires motorists to stop for a school bus anytime it has stopped to load or unload its passengers.

Failing to stop for a school bus carries a $400 to $2,000 fine and six demerit points for a first offence. Subsequent offences carry a fine of $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points and possible jail time.

It is important that motorists maintain an acute sense of awareness and expect the unexpected when driving near schools and in neighbourhoods where school buses and school kids are present.

Traffic safety is a shared responsibility and the OPP is reminding all motorists to reduce their speed and always keep a safe distance behind school buses as they make frequent stops.

The OPP will be diligent in ensuring drivers are following all rules and laws in its effort to maintain the safety of our children.