Slow It Down Campaign
Zero tolerance for dangerous driving in school zones and failing to stop for school buses
With the return to school this September, the North Bay Police Service (NBPS) is launching its “Slow It Down for School” campaign to remind motorists of their responsibility to keep children safe on the way to and from school.
The campaign will combine education and enforcement to address the NBPS’s number one traffic complaint: drivers failing to stop for school buses with flashing lights. In addition to, dangerous driving, distracted driving, and speeding in school zones. Officers will be taking a zero-tolerance approach.
“There is no excuse for ignoring school bus lights. Every driver has a responsibility to slow down, stop, and protect children getting on or off the bus,” said Chief Daryl Longworth.
Enforcement and Penalties
Under Section 175 of the Highway Traffic Act:
Drivers must stop at least 20 metres behind a stopped school bus with its overhead red-signal lights flashing or stop arm extended.
Failure to stop can result in:
First offence: Minimum $490 fine, 6 demerit points, and higher insurance premiums.
Subsequent offences: Fines up to $4,000, 6 demerit points, and possible jail time of up to 6 months.
Why Drivers Fail to Stop:
According to reports from local school bus operators, the most common reasons motorists fail to stop include:
- Drivers are distracted and do not notice flashing lights.
- Drivers stop briefly, then continue through as if it’s a stop sign, while students are still boarding.
- Drivers become impatient during extended stops for children with mobility needs, and deliberately drive past the bus while a child is still boarding.
“These behaviours are dangerous, illegal, and completely unacceptable,” added Chief Longworth.
Report Traffic Violations to Police
NBPS is asking the community to help out by reporting dangerous driving. Traffic complaints help officers focus enforcement on trouble spots and track down dangerous motorists.
How to report:
- Emergency: Call 9-1-1
- Non-emergency: Call 705-472-1234
- Email: nbpstraffic@northbaypolice.on.ca
What to report (as best as possible):
- Date and time of the incident
- Vehicle make, model, colour, and licence plate number
- Identifying information about the driver
- Size of the school bus
- Whether the bus was stopped, with red lights flashing or stop arm extended
- Whether passengers were boarding or leaving the bus
- Whether the vehicle passed from behind or in the opposite lane
- Any supporting evidence such as witness names, photos, or video
As part of “Slow It Down for School” campaign, NBPS will be sharing safety reminders for drivers, parents, caregivers, and students through social media, community partners, and on-the-ground visibility in school zones.
Learn more about school bus safety:
Ontario School Bus Safety Resources
