Drivers keep passing school buses in School District 83 even though red lights are flashing

Photo: File photo

Motorists are continuing to put students at risk in the North Okanagan-Shuswap.

Officials with School District 83 are concerned about the number of drivers passing school buses when their red stop lights are flashing.

"We had a significant drop in November, which we were very happy about," says district transportation manager Andrea Kathrein in a newsletter.

"In December, it started to creep up, and in 16 school days we had 16 incidents.

"In the first five days in January, we had six drivers pass school buses when the red lights were flashing. This is very concerning and puts our students at risk."

Officials remind drivers it is is dangerous – and illegal – to pass a school bus when its red lights are activated.

Drivers who ignore the warning face a hefty fine and demerit points if caught.