'Think of Us on the Bus' campaign urges drivers to stop passing while stop sign active
$673 fine, 2 demerits off the driver's licence for drivers caught passing buses while stop sign activated
Hundreds of drivers passing buses while their red lights and stop signs are activated has lead the Lord Selkirk School Division to launch a new campaign and install cameras to keep kids safe.
The Think of Us on the Bus campaign was launched on Wednesday in Selkirk, Man., to let drivers know how dangerous it is for kids when they pass buses.
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- Manitoba drivers among hundreds ignoring school bus stop signs
Vehicles passing when the buses' red lights are activated occurs, on average, 36 times per day, according to a news release.
From Nov. 28 to Dec. 9 last year, vehicles passed the flashing lights 340 times, an average of 21.25 times each bus driver's shift.
In only 12 days in February, it happened 309 times.
"While these statistics are specific to our division, the problem exists throughout North America," the release said.
The division will be installing stop arm cameras on the buses to provide video evidence to the RCMP. A ticket for passing a school bus with the red lights and stop signal activated is $673 and two demerits off the driver's licence.
"Our goal is not to issue tickets — it is to keep our students safe," the release said.
Selkirk is located about 35 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg.
