Drivers In Perth County Still Failing To Stop For School Buses
Source: Area OPP
Date: Sun Apr 22 02:48:25 MST 2018
All drivers are asked to review the following Highway Traffic Act (HTA) rules:
Drivers, when meeting on a highway, other than a highway with a median strip, a stopped school bus with 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- HTA section 175 (11);
Drivers approaching from the a rear, a stopped school bus with overhead red signal-lights flashing-shall stop at least twenty metres before reaching the bus and shall not proceed until the bus moves or the overhead red signal lights have stopped flashing-HTA section 175 (12);
Both the driver and/or the owner of the vehicle can be charged for the above offences-HTA section 175(19) and HTA 175(20). The fines associated with the offences total $490.00 and 6 demerit points.
To further assist drivers, bus companies would like to remind the public that buses with a strobe light activated on the top of the bus are actively picking up/dropping off students, and will be making frequent stops. Further, school buses utilize 2 sets of red lights; an overhead set, and a second set of lights when the stop arm is activated.
Additionally, recent reports have been made of drivers who are failing to wait for specialized buses. These buses require extra time to raise and lower ramps which assist students onto the bus. All lights will be activated during this time, and drivers are reminded that proceeding around/past these vehicles is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act which may endanger the lives of those in and around the bus.
"The number of failing to stop for school bus reports that we are currently receiving is extremely disappointing. The safety of these children remains a priority, and drivers who violate these laws can expect to be charged accordingly." Inspector Rob Scott, Detachment Commander, Perth County OPP.