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By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

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Wolf Creek seeing record number of illegal passes of school buses

Nov 22, 2022 | 10:17 AM

Wolf Creek Public Schools is on pace to see a record number of violations when it comes to motorists illegally passing school buses.

The first week of school saw a record number, the division says, of people not stopping for students about to disembark or load onto the bus.

There have been more violations to this point in the school year than all of last semester, and if that trend continues, it would double the number of reports over the year compared to last.

This school year, there have been about 30 reports, also known as red light infractions, the penalty for which is $567 and six demerits.

“Our school division and our drivers take the safety of our students seriously, and getting the message out in our community is important,” says Betty Clark, WCPS transportation manager. “Our drivers are aware of this important issue, they see it every year. But to have Mr. Joe Croken in and reminding them of the avenues to help report incidents is important.

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Prior to the school year starting, bus drivers took part in a training session with Croken, a senior peace officer with Blackfalds Municipal Enforcement.

Croken spoke about the importance of bus drivers reporting such incidences.

Motorists are to stay 20 metres clear of a bus on either side, if its red lights and stop signs are engaged.

Wolf Creek reminds motorists that the consequences of not following this simple rule could be tragic.

“Ideally, we hope we don’t have to file any reports,” says Clark. “Rather, we want to begin to change minds and behaviours to make going to school and coming home as safe as possible for students.”

In Red Deer and Olds, lights aren’t allowed to be flashed, thus keeping safety top of mind is key for motorists.

Check this video out from a story we published in November 2018

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