OPP concerned over rise in collisions involving school buses

A fleet of school buses (Johnny Louis/Getty Images)

There has been a recent increase in the number of collisions involving school buses in our region, and it’s raised some concerns for Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

Over the last month, the OPP have investigated nine crashes involving school buses in various communities across the West Region in southwestern Ontario.

Thankfully, police say there have been no injuries reported to any students or bus drivers.

“School buses are designed to be safe, with flashing lights, stop signs, high seats, and trained drivers. Even in incidents where no one is hurt, the risk is real. That’s why motorists need to focus on prevention, not just reaction,” a reads from the OPP.

Advice for parents

• Talk to your children about staying alert near roads
• Remind them to wait for the bus to come to a full stop, and always cross the street in front of the bus, never behind it

Advice for students

• Don’t push or run when getting on or off the bus
• Listen to the bus driver
• Stay seated and avoid distractions

Advice for drivers in our community

• Slow down. Be patient.
• Stop when the bus stop arm is extended. That pause could save a life.