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Drivers Still Putting Kids At Risk By Passing Buses

Thursday, 7 April 2016 at 05:43

Even more reports of drivers passing school buses are coming out, despite the many warnings and dangers of such behaviour

PERTH COUNTY - Drivers are once again being reminded they put children at risk when passing a school bus when the lights are flashing and the stop arm is out.

Perth County OPP have received more reports from parents and school bus drivers that despite the many warnings this behaviour continues.

Constable Kees Wijnads says not only is it dangerous, but it is illegal to pass a bus when the lights are flashing.

"The fines range anywhere from $400 - $2,000 for a first offence by passing a stopped school bus with the lights flashing. The demerit points is another issue: you accumulate six demerit points for the offence, which hurts every driver."

Drivers should also leave at least 20 metres between their vehicle and the bus so students have lots of space to cross the road if need be.

Wijnads says a hot spot for this crime is a stretch of the Highway 7 and 8 combination, where there are four lanes of traffic.

"A lot of motorists may not be thinking that way. Thinking the kids are on the side of the road, the bus is far away from me, I have two lanes and I should be clear to go. No you are not clear to go, you must stop."

If you spot someone illegally passing a bus, you are asked to contact the police. Be sure to take note of the kind of bus involved, whether the lights were flashing, a description of the vehicle involved and if possible the vehicle's licence plate number.

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