CAA Reminds Motorists About Back to School Road Safety

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 26, 2013) - With school buses about to make a return to roadways across the province as thousands of students get ready to head back to the classroom, CAA North & East Ontario is reminding motorists to study up on road safety.

Regardless of where your daily commute takes you, under Ontario law motorists travelling in both directions must come to a complete stop when approaching a school bus that has its upper red lights flashing. Failure to stop for a school bus can be a costly decision. For a first offence, drivers face a fine between $400 and $2,000 and the loss of six demerit points from their licence. Each subsequent offence brings fines ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, as well as six demerit points and the possibility of serving up to six months in jail.

Motorists are also reminded that roadways in designated school zones have a speed limit of 40 km/h. Drivers who exceed this speed limit by 16-29 km/h can lose three demerit points and be forced to pay a fine, while those found to be going 50 km/h above the posted speed limit could be faced with the loss of six demerit points, a suspended licence, and a fine of up to $10,000 under the Safer Roads for a Safer Ontario Act.

"At CAA North & East Ontario we want to make certain that all children are safe on their way to and from school, which is why we are urging road users to be mindful of young students and school buses making a return to our local roadways," said Christina Hlusko, President and CEO of CAA North & East Ontario.

As the back to school season gets into full swing, CAA North & East Ontario asks motorists to keep these tips in mind:

• Always stop for school buses with flashing red lights
• Watch for school bus and school zone warning signs
• Be on the watch for children who might dart out suddenly from between parked vehicles or buildings.
• Always make eye contact with children who are waiting to cross the street

CAA North & East Ontario provides emergency roadside assistance to Members, along with an extensive array of travel and insurance services designed to suit the individual needs, wants and expectations of our Members. Detailed information on the wide range of services and offerings available with CAA North & East Ontario can be found at caaneo.ca.