A jump in school bus crashes has led to West Region OPP developing a new traffic enforcement campaign that begins today.
OPP from 13 detachments will conduct enforcement blitzes for school bus runs using marked and unmarked cruisers, as part of the ‘Safety Stops Here’ campaign, aimed at ensuring the safety of school children.
Police officers responded to nine school bus collisions last month in West Region. While thankfully no injuries were reported, the frequency and risk to student safety is a growing concern.
Insp. Mike McConnell, OPP West Region Traffic Safety and Marine Manager, said risky driving behaviours around school buses is unacceptable and drivers can be educated through both enforcement and education.
OPP will focus on drivers who fail to stop for school buses with activated stop arms and motorists who engage in unsafe driving behaviours such as unsafe passing, speeding and following too closely.
