RENFREW COUNTY (Pembroke)— The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reminds motorists that school buses are returning to area roads very soon, and in fact in some areas have returned. Motorists should be aware of the expected increase in pedestrians, cyclists and school buses, and give themselves extra commuting time. Students will no doubt be excited and may forget some of the safety rules required for safe travels.
In accordance with the Highway Traffic Act motorists encountering a stopped school bus that has its overhead red signal-lights flashing shall stop before reaching the bus and shall not proceed until the bus moves or the overhead red signal-lights have stopped flashing. The minimum fine for failing to stop for a school bus is $400 and 6 demerit points. This applies whether you are meeting or following a school bus, and includes multi-lane roads.
The only exception is when driving on a road with a median – traffic coming from the opposite direction is not required to stop.
Drivers should also be prepared to yield to student pedestrians and cyclists. Parents of students who will be walking or cycling to school are encouraged to speak with their children about the rules of the road that apply to them.
