With school buses set to hit the road for the first time since March, Timmins Police is issuing a safety reminder.
Students at District School Board Ontario North East (DSB1) and Northeastern Catholic District School Board (NCDSB) start a staggered return to the classroom Tuesday, Sept. 8.
"The safety of school children reaching their intended destination is a responsibility that all motorists share. Timmins Police officers will address any violations vigilantly. Our obligation is a clear one and we treat the safety of children as a priority issue," said traffic Sgt. Thomas Chypyha, in a news release.
Timmins Police will be monitoring key traffic areas around schools looking for drivers violating speed limits, and aggressive driving.
Police are reminding drivers they are required to come to a complete stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm activated.
"These safety features are deployed when a school bus is stopped to allow for children to get aboard or disembark from a school bus," reads the police safety advisory.
"Drivers have the legal and ethical requirement to be alert and observant when approaching any school bus from any direction to comply with the pertinent sections of the Highway Traffic Act that apply to those circumstances."
Police say drivers violating the Highway Traffic Act "can expect a firm but fair response at the roadside from the Timmins Police Service with very little prospect of leniency."
