BONNYVILLE – The Town of Bonnyville's Community Peace Officer Wanda Tomm is urging citizens to abide by the traffic laws when it comes to school buses with their stop signs activated.
Tomm has received several complaints of vehicles passing school buses while their stop sign is activated with flashing lights, and she is reminding citizens that failure to obey the law could result in a $567 ticket and up to six demerit points - which is meager in comparison to the potential harm or loss of life that could result.
“The safety and security of our children should be paramount in our minds when approaching a school zone or school bus. Inattentiveness is not an excuse,” said Tomm.
Slowing down and stopping for a bus that has activated its stop sign and red flashing lights applies to both approaching and oncoming traffic. Alternating flashing amber lights indicate the bus is slowing down to stop where children will either exit or enter the bus. Do not proceed until the sign and red flashing lights have ceased.
Tomm says she has received a complaint from an area school board, and that based on recent complaints there are certain areas that are experiencing higher rates of infractions.
“I know that 49th avenue seems to have been a pretty big concern at certain times of day... but of course, it’s probably happening all over, even in the MD... I think overall, people should be cognizant of school times,” said Tomm
Tomm reminded drivers that between approximately 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. and approximately 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., children are in transit to and from school, and citizens should drive accordingly.