Driver charged after child hit by a vehicle after exiting school bus in Ottawa Valley

An Ontario Provincial Police crest is pictured on an officer's uniform. (Supplied)

A Quebec man is facing charges after a child was struck by a vehicle after getting off a school bus in the Upper Ottawa Valley.

Ontario Provincial Police say a 10-year-old child exited a school bus on the westbound side of Highway 17 in the Rolphton area at approximately 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and attempted to cross the road.

“The eastbound car failed to stop and struck the child,” the OPP said in a media release. “The bus had its red flashing lights and stop arm activated.”

The child was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

On Wednesday, the OPP said a 29-year-old man from Dorval, Que. had been charged with careless driving causing bodily harm and failing to stop for a school bus with its lights activated.

The driver is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on Dec. 15.

Highway 17 was briefly closed in both directions in that area, but it has since reopened.

“The OPP encourages all drivers to keep their eyes on the road ahead and be especially alert to school buses, which are making frequent stops,” the OPP said. “Thankfully this child was not seriously hurt, but failing to stop for a stopped school bus can be deadly. “

Rolphton is located between Deep River and Mattawa and is about 50 kilometres northwest of Petawawa.

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