KAWARTHA LAKES-The OPP is reminding all motorists to think of the safety of area students as they return to school next week and the importance of driving cautiously around school buses and school zones.
Beginning today, September 1, 2021 officers in Peterborough County will be focusing on school zones and identified problem areas in a continued effort to keep students safe. Motorists are also encouraged to contact police if they observe any unsafe driving.
Peterborough County OPP as well as officers in the City of Kawartha Lakes receive numerous complaints at the beginning of every school year from bus drivers stating that motorists are not stopping when children are getting on and off the bus when the bus has its red lights flashing and stop sign extended. No students have been injured but dangerous situations were created. Drivers cannot start moving until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm has been retracted and the bus has started to move. This includes all vehicles travelling on all lanes of multi-lane highways with no median such as Highway 7.Â
Fines for not doing so:
• First offence $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points
• Each following offence, $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points and possible jail time, (up to six months)
Tragedies can happen anywhere at any time. Taking a few extra moments when travelling near buses or at school crosswalks can be the difference between a tragic incident and getting to a destination safely according to police.
