The Estevan Police Service is reminding local drivers to exercise caution and obey the rules of the road when it comes to school buses in the city.
The EPS has a received a number of complaints about drivers failing to stop around school buses and the safety risks such actions pose to children. That prompted them to issue a press release last Wednesday, reminding drivers of the laws.
In an interview with The Mercury Friday, Chief Del Block said the school bus issue has been a growing concern for his department. He added that in the two days between the issuing of the press release and the interview, the EPS had received another three complaints.
"When the stop arm is out, people just continue to go right on by. They completely just disregard the traffic controls - both the flashing lights and the stop sign," said Block. "It seems like people are in such a rush here in the city that they are totally disregarding it.
"It is a huge safety concern and it places children in a very dangerous position when motorists aren't yielding to the traffic signals, especially now with the ice."
Block said when the red flashing lights are activated and stop arms are extended, drivers in both directions must stop their vehicles at least five metres from the bus. Drivers must also remain stopped until the school bus driver shuts off the lights and retracts the arm.
Block said the EPS will not tolerate this type of activity due to the extreme safety risk involved and is asking for the public's assistance in helping curb the problem.
"We are trying to get the public to co-operate without an enforcement issue but if we have to issue charges we certainly will," he said. "But if we can do it through an education process, we'd much rather do it that way."
The fine for anyone convicted of failing to stop is $360 and points against your driver's licence. If an accident involving injuries happens while a driver fails to stop, further, more serious, charges could be laid.
