Motorists will have to be even more attentive when students return to class next month.
Provincial penalties for drivers who disobey the law at crosswalks and around school buses will double on September 1st.
Dryden Police Chief Doug Palson supports the increase, stressing he’s behind anything that helps keep the public and children safe.
Palson says the fines are already high, but the hike shows the government takes the safety of pedestrians, especially children, very seriously.
If you don’t stop or if you obstruct a crosswalk, you could be facing a maximum $50,000 fine, up from $2,000, if you cause bodily harm.
You will also have six demerit points levied against your drivers record and could face a maximum two years in jail.
Courts can also suspend your licence for up to five years.
Without injury, failing to yield at a pedestrian crosswalk will carry fines of up to $1,000, up from the current $500.
You will also take a four demerit point hit.
Fines for failing to stop for a school bus will go up from $2,000 and four demerit points to $4,000 and six demerit points.
You could also spend six months in jail.
Fines will be doubled in school zones.
