Government reviewing fines for drivers passing stopped school buses
By Contributor
Children’s safety is of the utmost importance to all of us, which is why drivers are required to stop when school bus lights are flashing.
Despite the efforts to raise awareness, some drivers still fail to stop when children are getting on and off the bus.
“Failing to stop puts children at risk, and this is a concern to all British Columbians,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“I have heard from school bus drivers, trustees and parents that the current penalty – a $167-fine and three demerit points – is not enough to deter drivers. Ministry staff have begun discussions with stakeholders, including the police, and we can expect changes to be in place before the end of the school year.”
“I’d like to thank Cindy Dettling, who drives a school bus in School District 60 – Peace River North, for her efforts in raising awareness that action is needed,” Stone said.
In British Columbia, between 2009 and 2014, police issued 1,100 tickets for failing to stop for a school bus. Thankfully, in that period, no child died while getting on or off a school bus, but 14 children were injured.
“Parents expect their children to come home safely at the end of the school day – and our Education system is focused on this each and every day. This
review is another step in keeping our kids safe,” said Mike Bernier, Minister of Education.
“School buses are yellow for a reason – it means ‘pay attention and be cautious.’ We all need to double our attention to safety when we see a school bus.”
Please join in government’s goal for British Columbia to have the safest roads in North America by 2020 – safest for everyone, but especially for our children.
