Despite all of the campaigns surrounding school bus safety, it seems many drivers are still not getting the message when it comes to following the rules of the road — especially observing the flashing lights on the buses that transport many youngsters to and from school each day.
Stock Transportation initially reported five school bus light infractions in the first four days of school last week in a social media post and then amended the number to seven as new information came in. According to the company, these incidents occurred solely on Stock routes.
Deb Ranger, whose son Adam was killed as he crossed the highway in front of a school bus in Mattawa nearly 25 years ago responded to the Stock post with a stern message:
"I know I should have more words...but honestly here's what first comes to mind...5 was the age my youngest son Adam Ranger was when the careless driver killed my son because he didn't STOP for his school bus!! He was convicted of MANSLAUGHTER.!!! Would any of these selfish drivers who didn't STOP want to have THAT as their claim to fame too??????.... Don't STOP / KILL a CHILD / BE CONVICTED OF MANSLAUGHTER/ LIVE WITH THAT!!"
More on the Let's Remember Adam Stop for the School Bus campaign.
Stock is aware of incidents from the shortened first week of school in the 200 block of Lakeshore Drive, 600 block of Lakeshore Drive, 1000 block of Lakeshore Drive, 1500 block of Cassells Street, on McIntyre Street (charges laid by NBPS), and Silver Lady Lane, all in North Bay, plus on Highway 63 in Redbridge.
According to Stock, seven "is the number of school bus light infractions that occurred on our routes during the first week of school. Four is the number of school days we worked during that week. One is the number of mistakes it takes to take a child's life. Please remain vigilant when travelling and be extra-attentive whenever you see school buses."
As reported, the North Bay Police Service is conducting a traffic safety initiative during September by patrolling school zones as the new school year begins and police, including the OPP, remind drivers of their responsibilities as students head back.
See also: Red lights on school bus means stop
Police will target motorists who disobey traffic laws, especially in school zones. Offences such as speeding, failing to stop for stop signs, and illegally passing school buses with their lights flashing.
Flashing overhead amber lights were added to school buses in 2022. The flashing lights indicate that the bus will soon be stopping. If the bus’s amber lights are flashing, drivers must slow down and prepare to stop whether they are behind or approaching a bus.
Always remember, you must stop for a stopped school bus when it has its upper red lights flashing and/or its stop sign arm unfolded, whichever direction you are driving in. If a bus is stopped on one side of the road, a child may still need to cross to the other side of the road. Remain stopped until the bus moves.
You must obey the school bus law on any road, no matter how many lanes or what the speed limit is. Be prepared to stop for a school bus at any time, not just within school hours.
When driving on a road with a median, traffic coming from the opposite direction of the school bus is not required to stop.
Failure to obey these laws will result in a fine between $400 and $2,000 and six demerit points.
If you are the vehicle’s registered owner, you can be fined even if you aren’t driving the vehicle at the time.
Motorists must also yield to pedestrians and crossing guards in school zones.
Motorists should also be aware of the multiple Community Safety Zones throughout North Bay. Community Safety Zones are primarily located near schools, sports arenas, and playgrounds, and require drivers to lower their speed limits. Fines for violating the speed limit in a Community Safety Zone are increased.
