Members of Ontario Provincial Police West Region want to remind drivers that students are heading back to school after a lengthy break. For drivers, that means maintaining a heightened awareness of students who are either getting on or getting off a school bus. A distraction of a split-second can be enough to cause a tragedy, as younger students can dart out from behind an obstruction like trees or vehicles without warning.

Slow down when you see a school bus and give it plenty of space, as it could come to a stop at any time. Remember, failing to stop for a stopped school bus that has its flashing red lights engaged is a serious offence. For a first-time offence, you can be fined from $400 to $2,000 and have six demerit points added to your license.

In Ontario, school bus drivers and other witnesses can report vehicles that have illegally passed a school bus. If you are the vehicle's registered owner, these same fines may be applied to you.

Our children's safety is everyone's responsibility. Everyone using our roadways needs to exercise vigilance, patience and understanding as our students head back to school.

source: media release, OPP