Health News For South West


Thursday, September 03, 2015
Ministry of Transportation
Ontario Urges Drivers To Help Keep Kids Safe

School Buses Return to Ontario Roads in September

As another school year begins, Ontario is asking drivers to slow down near school buses and school zones and to pay attention for children.

There are more than 824,000 students that travel on school buses every school day, and drivers should follow these tips to help keep them safe:
  • Be prepared to stop for a school bus at any time, not just during school hours. Stop when the bus is stopped and its upper red lights are flashing.
  • Never pass a school bus with its red upper lights flashing -- it's against the law.
  • Leave space around school buses so children can get on and off safely.
  • Slow down, drive with extra caution and watch for children in school zones.
  • Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and school crossings.
  • Parents can help by reminding children to stay alert and watch for other vehicles when getting on or off school buses.
 
Quick Facts:

  • Ontario passed Making Ontario’s Roads Safer legislation in June, clarifying that a school bus is the only bus that may be painted chrome yellow to be easily identified.
  • Drivers failing to stop for a school bus can be fined up to $2,000 and six demerit points for a first conviction.
 
 Additional Resources:

 
Quotes:

"Our government is committed to ensuring the safety of all Ontarians. As the new school year begins, help us keep children safe by slowing down, staying alert and paying extra attention when driving near school buses and in school zones."

 — Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation

"We are very proud of Ontario’s excellent school bus safety record. We encourage drivers to become our safety partners and to review school bus safety measures before the start of the school year. "

 — Les Cross, President, Ontario School Bus Association

Media Contacts:

Jane Almeida
Minister’s Office
jane.almeida@ontario.ca

Bob Nichols
Communications Branch
416-327-1158

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