As students across Kirkland Lake settle into the new school year, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are stepping up their efforts to ensure the safety of young commuters. With school buses operating daily, the OPP has issued a timely reminder about the critical safety rules that all motorists must follow when encountering school buses.

Motorists are advised that school bus safety is a shared responsibility. From Monday to Friday, particularly during the busy hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., drivers need to be particularly vigilant. This is not only the time when buses are picking up and dropping off students, but it is also when many children are walking to and from school and bus stops.

The OPP emphasizes that when approaching a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, drivers are legally required to stop at least 20 meters away. This rule is designed to protect children as they board and exit the bus. It is crucial for drivers to remain stopped until the bus’s lights turn off and the stop arm retracts—failure to do so can result in serious consequences.

Penalties for disobeying these laws can be steep. Drivers who ignore the stop signs of school buses face fines starting at $490 and can accumulate six demerit points on their driving record. The OPP is committed to enforcing these laws rigorously to protect the community’s youth.

As many Canadians know, the safety of our children is paramount, and the OPP’s reminders are a timely call to action for all drivers. With the increase in foot traffic around schools, it is vital for motorists to slow down and stay alert.

Parents and guardians are also encouraged to educate their children about safety around school buses. Youth should be reminded to wait in safe places until the bus arrives and to be cautious when crossing streets.

The Kirkland Lake OPP’s initiative is part of a broader commitment across Ontario to ensure that students can travel to and from school safely. As we embrace the fall season and its accompanying activities, it is essential to keep safety at the forefront of our minds. Together, we can foster a safer environment for our children.

Let’s work together to make this school year a safe one for everyone in Kirkland Lake. Remember, a moment of caution can make a world of difference in protecting our most precious assets—our children.