Darcy MacRae, communications manager for the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board, confirms that 20 red light violations took place locally during May. Six were in the Merigomish and Lismore areas.
He said one person has been charged under the Motor Vehicle Act.
“Twenty is a bit higher than normal,” said MacRae, noting that typically 10 to 15 of such incidents happen each month.
Drivers must stop when a school bus activates its red lights and the stop sign is extended. “They have to stop their vehicle – they’re not allowed to go through. They have to wait until the bus retracts those signs until they can go forward,” said MacRae.
The Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act states that drivers approaching a school bus from either direction, regardless of the number of lanes, must stop.
Amber flashing lights indicate that a bus is about to stop. Passing is allowed until the red lights are illuminated. However, the Nova Scotia government’s Rules of the Road says extra caution should be used.
Red flashing lights are used when a school bus is stopped to pick up or discharge students, and MacRae said it’s very dangerous to pass a bus in this situation. “Definitely the last thing anyone wants is an accident. Children are in a vulnerable position.”
MacRae said although no injuries occurred in the Pictou County incidents, he hopes people pay attention and respect the laws that call for coming to a complete stop.
“We stress to people to stop when they see those lights come on,” he said. “We just want to get kids to and from school safely.”
When vehicles pass a school bus illegally, the bus driver tries to obtain the full licence plate number, along with the make, model and colour of the car, which is relayed to a supervisor and to police. He said some school buses have cameras attached to them as well.
The fine for a red light violation is $410 and six demerit points for a first offence.
