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Yes, you do have to stop for the school bus

First day back to school, and that means school zones, pedestrians, and school buses.

First day back to school, and that means school zones, pedestrians, and school buses. How quickly some (even experienced) drivers forget. It seems that reminders are necessary.

This is what happened to me today. I came to a complete stop at the intersection, I was in the left lane. I stopped, because on the opposite side of the road was the school bus with its lights flashing and stop sign displayed. The driver behind me chose not to stop, instead tooted his horn and overtook me on the right.

I thank the fates that there were no youngsters crossing at the moment. (I had a flashback to a similar event that I was witness to, with horrible outcome.)

I spoke with this driver; he said he did nothing wrong. I am certain the rules have not changed. Passing on the right is (158(1)) $109 fine plus two demerits and fail to stop for school bus (149) $167 plus three  demerits. There are potentially other violations, but I am not going to go there. Anyone can look up fines and demerits.

I am a retired professional driver. I have seen a lot of bad driving habits, but this one is one of my pet peeves.

I really just want to impress upon drivers that the road is shared, now more than ever, and we all just want to get home safely.

 

Donna Ludvig Turner

Duncan