The brotherhood of police officers is proud to provide this monthly column on safety. September means back-to-school for children and with that, the return of school buses to the roads of our Laurentians. Here is some important advice to apply throughout the school year.

For the children

Make your way to the school bus stop without running or rushing. Take a seat in the bus and put your backpack and other things on the floor by your feet or on your knees. Don’t get up to exit the bus until it has stopped completely (and don’t worry, because the driver knows exactly where you have to get off the bus).

As you step down from the bus, if you have to cross the street, walk ten steps away from the bus so you can see the driver easily. Look left, look right and then look left again and wait for the driver’s signal before you cross the street.

For drivers

Too many offenses are committed every year, some endangering the safety of our children. A school bus whose yellow lights are illuminated is telling you that it is getting ready for a child to get on or off the bus. It is imperative that you stop your vehicle as quickly as possible, because the bus is going to raise its stop sign very shortly.

You must stop your vehicle five metres from the bus. In Québec, a driver passing a school bus displaying a stop sign is liable for a $200 fine. Add to that costs of $74 and a required contribution of $40. What is unusual about this offense is that it also carries nine (9) demerit points.

It will, in other words, cost you $216.09 more when you go to renew your driver’s licence. These sanctions are nothing compared to the human cost when an accident involves a child. Maintain good driving habits and remember that in the Laurentians, it’s safety first.

By the same author: On the water free of danger (Click the image below)