Maskwacis RCMP issue reminder for school bus safety

Maskwacis RCMP are reminding the public about what school bus lights mean and the laws in place following several complaints about drivers not obeying the red alternating lights.

Police say the red lights mean the bus is stopped and students are getting on or off. It also means that drivers should not pass until the red lights have stopped flashing the stop arm is retracted. Doing so before that is illegal, according to the RCMP.

“We are currently investigating several complaints of motorists failing to stop for a school bus with alternating flashing red lights,” said Cst. Catlin Chiasson, Public Information Officer for the Maskwacis RCMP, in a media release. “The potential ticket for this is $486. Please continue to report these violations to the Maskwacis RCMP. We thank the public for their assistance.”

Meanwhile, alternating amber lights mean the bus is slowing and preparing to stop.