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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-09-03, Page 30PAGE 30. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3,1997 Passing school bus double trouble for drivers DID YOU KNOW? The start of September marks a return to school and a reminder to motorists to be careful as students and school buses are back on the road. Effective Sept. 1, the fines for motorists who pass a stopped school bus doubled. These increases were part of legislation introduced in Transportation Minister Al Palladini's tough road safety package earlier this summer. "Passing a stopped school bus is one of the most serious offences under the Highway Traffic Act," said Palladini. "We won't tolerate motorists who put our children's safety at risk." The current fines for passing a school bus with its overhead red lights flashing and stop arm out, are already among the highest under the Highway Traffic Act. For a first offence the fines have doubled to $400 - $2,000. For repeat offenders, the fines have doubled to $1,000 - $4,000. In addition, a convicted driver gets six demerit points and on a second offence can be imprisoned for up to six months. "We're very supportive of this action, which we hope will make the public more aware of the severity of breaking the law," says Richard Donaldson, executive director, Ontario School Bus Association. "With 816,000 children riding in school buses every day, we're committed to safety, greater education and greater enforcement." The Highway Traffic Act was also amended to require that school buses stop at all railway crossings, regardless of whether the crossing is protected by gates or railway signal lights. Transport Canada reports that children riding in a school bus are 16-times safer than those riding in any other vehicle. Despite this safety record, last year more than 700 drivers were convicted of failing to stop for a school bus. "School buses are one of the safest methods of travel and we want to keep it that way," said Palladini. "As students, teachers and parents prepare for a new school year - let's keep our children safe. Motorists should lake extra care around school zones and residential areas." The Ministries of Education and Training and Transportation are also working together to develop a school bus safety resource guide which will be available to community groups, school boards, school bus operators and police. Man found On Aug. 28 at approx. 7:50 p.m. the Ontario Provincial Police while searching the railway tracks in Tuckersmith Township found Garry Young alive and well wandering aimlessly on the tracks. It appears he was despondent due to personal issues. He has been reunited with a very grateful family. In spite of his five days outside, he appeared to be in good health. Young, of Seaforth, was reported missing on Aug. 23. You should feed your kitten a wide variety of foods, flavours and textures to prevent "food fatigue". TO MEET ITS NUTRITIONAL STANOARDS L0oVpr CVMA Pet Food Certification Program 77th Annual Belgrave, Blyth, Brussels School Fair to be held on Wednesday, September 10,1997 MORRIS TOWNSHIP 887-6137 HOWATT BROS. TRANSPORT LTD. local and long distance hauling in Ontario LIVESTOCK & GRAIN Doug & Ron Howatt RR 1, Belgrave (519) 523-4500 Parade at 1:00 pm followed by opening ceremonies PAUL COOK ELECTRIC Home, Farm & Commercial Wiring Serving Belgrave & area since 1983 BRIAN POTTER Office 519 - 357-3622 ‘Ifianfcs to our sponsors for their generous support! BELGRAVE 357-1537 EDGAR FEED & SEED Nlel & Kathy Edgar R.R. #3 Wingham Fall Special on Animal Health Products Dealer for Jones Feed Mill Specializing in micronlzed feed 357-2122 ^CO-OP^ Your complete farm store for • Fertilizer • Seed • Chemicals • Feed • Hardware and much more Belgrave 1-800-267-2667 357-2711 Auburn 526-7262 BELGRAVE VARIETY Open 7 days a week “Postal service & movie rentals” Belgrave (519) 357-1254 BOB W ATTA M’S BACKHOE SERVICE Trenching - Septic Systems - Excavating Trucking - Float Service - Landscaping Free Estimates Quality Work Belgrave 519-357-3069