Cochrane RCMP responded to a collision between an empty bus and a Dodge Dakota truck around 9 am this morning (May 23).

Constable Kary Moore shares the accident occurred at the intersection of 1st Avenue West and Centre Avenue. "The initial investigation determined the westbound truck proceeded through the intersection on a red light and struck a southbound school bus that was waiting to turn eastbound onto 1st Avenue."

The 84-year-old, Airdrie male driver of the Dakota truck was transported to the hospital with undetermined injuries. Luckily the school bus was not transporting children at the time of the collision and only the driver was on board who was reported as uninjured. 

The names of the drivers will not be released and the collision remains under investigation as to whether charges will be pending.

While a bus versus vehicle collision isn't all that common, Cst. Moore shares they do get a number of calls from bus drivers and community members regarding drivers who attempt to beat the bus. "Quite often the bus drivers will record down licence plates and report it to us after the fact which we then write up and mail a ticket to the registered owner of the vehicle."

For basic safety measures, Constable Moore says they take these cases seriously. "We know there are kids that don't always pay attention and certainly not looking for vehicles as they get on and off the bus; so it is very important to obey bus safety laws."

If the bus driver is pulled to the side of the road with only yellow amber lights flashing you are able to slowly pass but if you are driving behind the bus and see amber flashing lights be prepared to stop and wait as flashing red lights will proceed.

If you are caught passing a bus you could be subject to some hefty fines. "Contrary to section 72 sub 1 of the use of the highway and rules of the road regulation; failing to stop before approaching a school bus with alternately flashing red lamps is a $543 fine and passing a school bus before the driver of the school bus indicates it is safe to pass is a $465 fine."

If found guilty, failing to stop for a school bus also carries six demerit points.