Back to School

  City police news release…
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to remind motorists to be prepared to stop as the back to school season is about to start.  Starting today children from the Algoma District School Board and tomorrow the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board will be headed back to school.
This means that the yellow school buses and the crossing guards are also back on our roads, remaining vigilant, patient and responsible so that every child can get to and from school safely.
Motorists are reminded that that every driver, approaching from both directions towards a school bus with overhead red signal-lights flashing, must stop and shall not proceed until the bus moves or the overhead red signal-lights have stopped flashing (except on highways separated by a median strip, whereby oncoming traffic is not required to stop). Also, school buses are required by law to stop at all railway crossings; motorists should likewise be prepared to stop behind school buses.

Failing to stop for the school bus could result in a fine of $495 and 6 demerit points.
Failing to obey a school guard who has the stop sign displayed could result in a fine of $110 and 3 demerit points.

There are a few steps motorists can take to ensure that children reach their destination safely.
-Abide by the school bus traffic safety traffic laws
-Watch for children running to catch their bus
-Respect the crossing guards and slow down in school zones
-When turning at intersections, watch for students and crossing guards using the crosswalks
-Teach your own children about safe conduct on roadways and on school buses

During the month of September officers from Patrol Services and Traffic Services will be working together to ensure motorists are obeying the rules of the road related to schools buses and crossing guards.
Children may not always be paying attention.  Be extra cautious during the hours before and after school. And remember road safety begins with you.