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They're back! Be alert to stop arms and flashing lights, warn police

Make sure you know the rules and follow them
school safety
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NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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KIRKLAND LAKE - Members of the Kirkland Lake Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind the public that the 2018-2019 school year has begun for many students. Drivers are reminded that failing to stop when meeting or overtaking a school bus is dangerous and could have dire consequences.

Motorists should be extra attentive and prepared to stop for school buses from Monday to Friday between the hours of 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

When driving on a road without a median:

  • drivers travelling in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing
  • when you approach the bus from the front, stop at a safe distance to let children get on or off the bus and cross the road
  • when following a school bus, stop 20 meters behind the bus
  • don't move forward until the red lights have stopped flashing or the bus begins to move

Drivers and vehicle owners will be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus. Fines range from $400 to $2,000 plus six demerit points for a first offence and from $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points and possible jail time up to six months for each subsequent offence. 

For further information, please visit here.

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