NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police have received complaints from bus drivers that motorists are not stopping when children are getting on and off the bus while on Orillia OPP patrolled roads.
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 approaching a stopped bus from the front, stop at a safe distance to let children get on or off the bus and cross the road.
- Don't move forward until the red lights have stopped flashing or the bus begins to move.
When travelling on a road with a median traffic coming from the opposite direction is not required to stop.
Drivers who fail to stop for school buses can face heavy fines and possible jail time. Vehicle owners can be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus even if they weren't driving.
The priority of the Orillia OPP is the safety for the children of our communities. Tragedies can happen anywhere at any time. Taking a few extra moments when behind a bus can be the difference between a tragic incident or getting to our destination safely.
Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or visit Crime Stoppers here or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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