With students back in class, police services across Lambton and Chatham-Kent are reminding motorists to slow down, stay alert and watch for school buses as the new school year gets underway.
The Lambton County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is asking motorists to slow down and be vigilant while driving in school zones and to be mindful of children walking or riding bicycles to and from school. Drivers must stop when amber lights are flashing on a school bus and be prepared to stop when red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, police say. Passing a stopped school bus is illegal and dangerous and could result in a fine of $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points.
Parents and students are encouraged to avoid distractions while walking and to review bus safety rules, including staying seated while the bus is in motion, waiting for the bus to stop before getting on or off, and crossing the street only when it is safe to do so. Police say children riding bicycles to school should wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road, and all students should look both ways before crossing the street, use a crosswalk and obey crossing guards.
The Lambton County OPP say they will be conducting increased patrols in school zones and along bus routes throughout the back-to-school season.
“Every driver plays a role in keeping children safe this school year,” said Insp. Ross Stuart, Lambton County OPP interim detachment commander. “Whether it’s stopping for a school bus, staying alert while driving through school zones, or reducing distractions behind the wheel, your choices matter. A few extra moments of patience can make all the difference in keeping our children safe. Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Anyone who observes dangerous or concerning driving behaviour is asked to contact the Lambton County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or 911 in an emergency. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Meanwhile, the Chatham-Kent Police Service is reminding residents that with students returning to school Tuesday, Sept. 8, school buses will once again be travelling throughout the municipality as part of their regular routes.
As part of its continued commitment to student safety, the service remains dedicated to its “Give Buses a Break” campaign and will be conducting enforcement and education initiatives along school bus routes across Chatham-Kent. Officers will be monitoring traffic in areas where school buses frequently operate to ensure motorists are complying with the rules of the road.
Drivers approaching a stopped school bus from either direction on roads that are not divided by a physical median must stop and remain stopped until the bus resumes moving or the signals are deactivated, police say. Extra caution should be exercised in school zones and residential neighbourhoods, particularly during morning and afternoon travel times, as students may cross the roadway unexpectedly or emerge from between parked vehicles.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service appreciates the cooperation of all motorists and encourages everyone to slow down, stay alert and give buses a break.
