It's the most wonderful time of the year. We warned you

With school now starting, the Sault Ste Marie Police Service would like to remind motorists to use extra caution on the roadways as children will be making their way to school on foot, by bicycle and by school bus. 

Please be vigilant for exited children who may not be thinking traffic safety as they look forward to the first day of school.

To ensure we have a safe start to the school year, during the month of September officers from Patrol and Traffic Services will be conducting selective enforcement targeting drivers who do not obey traffic laws relating to school buses, school crossing guards, and speed limits in and around school zones. 

Drivers are reminded that they must stop for stopped school buses with red lights flashing, on both single and multilane roads. 

Any driver stopped by officers for not stopping for either meeting or overtaking a stopped school bus with lights flashing will be fined $490 face the loss of 6 demerit points. 

Any driver stopped by officers for failing to obey a school crossing guard stop sign will face a fine of $180 and the loss of 3 demerit points.

Parents who drive their children to school are reminded to ensure their children are in the appropriate restraint system for their age and/or size. 

Further once they arrive at school they are reminded to use proper drop off zones, as improperly parked or stopped vehicles create unsafe traffic conditions for other children arriving on foot or by bus. 

Parents are also reminded not to stop or park in signed fire routes as the routes may be needed by emergency vehicles trying access the school for not only a fire emergency, but also a medical or police emergency. 

Vehicles observed by officers parked or stopped in a fire route will be ticketed under the Bylaw regarding fire routes.

If you have any information regarding these crimes, or any other crime, call Crime Stoppers at 705-942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), submit an e-tip from the Crime Stoppers’ website at www.saultcrimestoppers.com or text keyword SSM with your tip to 274637.

Text STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. 

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