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They're baaack

NEWS RELEASE ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE ************************* KIRKLAND LAKE – Members of the Kirkland Lake Ontario Provincial Police Detachment (OPP) remind motorists that some area students will be back in school on Tuesday September 1, 201

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE

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KIRKLAND LAKE – Members of the Kirkland Lake Ontario Provincial Police Detachment (OPP) remind motorists that some area students will be back in school on Tuesday September 1, 2015.

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 on top of the mind of 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 and $2,000 and 6 demerit points.

A subsequent offence can cost a driver anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 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 Kirkland Lake Road Safety Coalition and 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.

Kirkland Lake OPP Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Rick Witty states, “Officers from the Kirkland Lake OPP Detachment will be aggressively enforcing the school bus law. Officers will be monitoring school buses to ensure that motorists stop for the flashing red lights. Remember a moment’s inattention can bring a lifetime of regret.”

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