Police are warning drivers to be extra cautious on the roads and streets today as students return to school.
School buses will be on the roads this morning and this afternoon, and there will be an increase in pedestrians.
Police say excited students may forget safety rules, and the more attention that drivers pay, the safer kids will be.
Drivers are reminded not to pass school buses that have signals flashing and the STOP sign activated -- the minimum fine for failing to stop is 400 dollars.
More than 800,000 Ontario students travel on buses every school day.
Drivers approaching a stopped school bus from the rear with its red signal-lights flashing must stop 20 metres behind the school bus and not pass until the signals are turned off and the bus moves. 20 meters allows the school bus driver to view your vehicle in their rear mirrors.
Drivers approaching a stopped school bus from the front with its overhead red signal-lights flashing must stop in front of the school bus and not pass until the signals are turned off and the bus moves.
The OPP also encourages parents and caregivers to talk to their children on the importance of being safe going to and from school.
