School bus safety reminder from the CKPS

The Chatham-Kent Police Service have issued a reminder about school bus safety as schools begin to open next week.

“The Chatham-Kent Police Service would like to remind everyone that kids will be returning to school next week,” police officials said in a media release.

“It has been a while since we have seen buses on the roadways.”

Police officials are asking motorists to remember:

– 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 the children get on or off the bus and cross the road

– When you approach the bus from the back, stop approximately 20 meters away from the back of the bus

– Don’t move forward until the red lights have stopped flashing or the bus begins to move

– When driving on a road with a median, traffic coming from the opposite direction is not required to stop

Police officials say drivers may be charged if they pass a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing.

– For the first offence, the fines can range from $400 to $2000 and six demerit points

– For each following offence, the fines can range from $1000 to $4000, six demerit points and possible jail time (up to six months)

– Be aware that the vehicle owners can be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus even if they were not the ones driving

Police officials say the Chatham-Kent Police Traffic Management Unit will be out in full force next week, specifically targeting school bus related offences.

“Officers will also be conducting speed enforcement in school zones and monitoring cross walks around the Municipality,” police officials say.

“Every year, school bus drivers like Cynthia Luimes, do their part in trying to get kids to and from school safely. However, did you know that there have been 53 collisions involving buses within the past three years in Chatham-Kent?”

Police officials added: “Everyone has a part to play when it comes to road safety. Therefore, this school year, won’t you please ‘Give Buses a Brake’.”

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