A B.C. school bus driver is raising the alarm after a number of near misses involving careless drivers. A reporter from CTV goes for a ride along with a driver and shows us some of the close calls.
Many drivers are unaware of the penalties for passing stopped school buses while they are displaying flashing red lights to load or unload students. If caught, drivers in BC will receive a $167 fine.
The following table provides information concerning the penalties imposed in each province:
When you see a school bus stopped with its red lights flashing, you must stop too. Drivers must stop whether the bus is oncoming or you are behind the bus.
When you see a bus with flashing amber lights, slow down and prepare to stop. The bus is preparing to stop or may already be stopped.
Stay stopped until the bus moves on, or the driver signals it’s safe for you to proceed, by turning off the flashing lights. (some but not all school buses have a stop sign that swings out from the bus or a digital display)