Cpl. Kyle Camalush, detachment commander of the Barriere RCMP is reminding the public about following safety laws with regards to school buses transporting children to and from school. “From fall to summer, children in Barriere rely on the big yellow school bus for transportation with parents trusting that their children will get to school and back home safely. They are counting on motorists to know and abide by the law as defined by the Motor Vehicle Act. It’s important that all motorists are aware of what to do when they encounter a school bus within our community.”
The corporal is concerned about an increase in calls regarding driver’s disregard for school buses.
“Barriere RCMP have received complaints regarding vehicles ignoring school busses that are stopped to pick up and drop off children within the community. We are reminding drivers when you see a school bus that has stopped to let children off and you see it’s lights flashing, often with a swing-out ‘STOP’ sign that is clearly visible you must stop. The school bus driver may have also turned on alternating flashing amber lights when preparing to stop to give ample warning to drivers.”
Barriere RCMP also stress, the Motor Vehicle Act requires that drivers stop in either direction upon observing flashing red lights on a school bus. “The law clearly states that vehicles in all lanes must stop. After stopping for a school bus, do not start moving again until the bus moves on or the driver signals that it is safe by turning off the lights and pulling in the ‘STOP’ sign,” says Camalush.
A traffic ticket for failing to stop for a school bus includes a fine of $368 and three penalty points. B.C. School Districts have installed video cameras on their school busses to record evidence for the prosecution of drivers who fail to stop when the red lights are flashing. The video is turned over to police to prompt an investigation and charges.
Drivers must exercise proper precaution when encountering a child on any road, street or highway. This would include students walking to or from a school bus that has stopped.
If you require further refreshers on safe driving regulations the Barriere RCMP suggest you to visit:
https://www.drivesmartbc.ca/passing/stopping-school-bus
https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/driving-guides/Learn-to-Drive-Smart
