Sault Ste. Marie Police Service are reminding drivers that roads may be busier as students and staff are heading back to school this week.
Police urge drivers to:
- Stop for school buses when the upper red light is flashing, and at designated school crossings - in both directions
- When approaching a bus, stop at a safe distance to let children get on or off the bus and cross the road
- Be vigilant for vehicles transporting students and crossing guards assisting children to cross the road safely
- Be patient as students board and exit the school bus
- Do not move forward until the upper red lights have stopped flashing or the bus begins to move
- All motorists, including cyclists, must stop and yield the entire roadway until pedestrians and school crossing guards have completely crossed the road
Drivers are reminded that new permanent speed limits have been implemented in school zones. If designated as a school zone, posted speed limits will 40 km/h.
Sault police warn drivers that they can be charged for passing a stopped school bus with an upper red light flashing or for endangering pedestrians at school crossings.
Fines range between a low of $490 and a high of $5,000, or jail time and a licence suspension.