Richard Froese
South Peace News
Peace Regional RCMP responded to a report of a motorist driving by a school bus while it was stopped April 28 in Peace River.
The bus driver contacted police after a motorist passed the school bus with lights flashing and the stop sign out to allow students to exit, says an RCMP news release May 1. The registered owner of the vehicle is facing about $1,500 in fines, says Peace Regional RCMP Const. Julie-Ann Strilaiff, public information officer.
She advises motorists that passing a school bus while students are on the road is very dangerous.
“The lives of children are at risk when drivers disregard a school bus that is legally stopped with the stop sign out and lights flashing,” Strilaiff says.
“Children are leaving the school bus, crossing the street and while they are taught to look both ways before crossing, they are also just children and rely heavily on motorists to do their part to follow the rules of the road.
“Learning to drive on our roads is more than just passing your driver’s test. It includes following the rules of various traffic safety laws in Alberta such as the Traffic Safety Act, which includes what traffic laws police enforce.”
The Alberta RCMP seeks citizens’ assistance in identifying location of, or sightings of, any motorists disregarding traffic safety laws.
Anyone with information in relation to any traffic concerns is requested to contact local police through 911 if it is an emergency or by calling 310-RCMP (7267) for non-emergencies.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8377 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips. com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.