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Ontario Reminds Drivers To Follow School Bus Rules
TORONTO, Aug. 26 /CNW/ -
NEWS
Ontario law requires drivers to stop when approaching a stopped school bus
with its upper red lights flashing. Violators face fines of up to $2,000 and
six demerit points.
As Ontario enters the back-to-school season, here are some additional
safety tips for parents, caregivers and teachers to share with children:
- Use 10 giant steps as a guide to take you away from the front of the
bus
- Be sure you can see the driver and that the driver sees you
- Watch for the driver's signal that it is safe to cross the street
- Listen and look both ways to be sure it is safe before you cross the
street
- If you drop anything in front of the bus, leave it - never stop to
pick it up
- Walk - never run - across the street.
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The McGuinty government has introduced tough measures for drivers,
vehicle owners and school bus operators to ensure children get to and from
school safely. All school buses must now have crossing arms to keep children
out of the bus driver's blind spot in front of the bus, added emergency exit
windows, and better side mirrors to improve the driver's line of sight.
QUOTES
"Let's keep our children safe this school year. Drive cautiously around
school zones and stop when approaching a school bus with red flashing lights,"
said Transportation Minister Jim Bradley.
(http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/about/minister.htm) "Knowing and following
the rules of the road improves safety everywhere."
"Child safety is our industry's number one priority," said Rick Donaldson
Executive Director of the Ontario School Bus Association. "Paying attention to
school bus rules will help protect our children."
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QUICK FACTS
- More than 800,000 students travel on school buses each day during the
school year.
- Ontario requires that all school buses undergo a safety inspection at
least twice a year. School bus operators that fail to meet Ontario's
safety standards face some of the highest fines in North America - up
to $20,000 for companies caught operating an unsafe bus.
LEARN MORE
Parents, teachers and drivers should check out the Ministry of
Transportation's School Bus Safety webpage
(http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/schoolbus/safebus.htm) for more
information on school bus safety.
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ontario.ca/transportation
Disponible en français
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For further information: Bob Nichols, Communications Branch, (416) 327-1158; Nicole Lippa-Gasparro, Minister's Office, (416) 327-1815
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