OPP Remind Drivers to Stop for School Buses After March Break

With the March Break over, local police are reminding drivers to stop for school buses.

While Ontario school buses added flashing overhead amber lights last September - to make it easier for drivers to recognize when the bus is preparing to stop - Ontario Provincial Police say many communities are still seeing vehicles not stopping, putting children's lives in danger.

Superior East OPP reminds drivers - including those in commercial vehicles or on snowmobiles, ATVs, or bicycles - are required by law to stop when they encounter a school bus stopped with red lights flashing - it doesn't matter if the stop arm's out - and you cannot proceed until the lights stop flashing and the bus moves.

Failure to follow the rules can result in fines of $490 to $2000 plus six demerit points, or - even worse - possibly injuring a child.

Anyone who sees a vehicle fail to stop for a school bus can call 9-1-1 or the OPP non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122.