‘As a result of many near misses’: OPP crack down on school bus passers in March blitz

The OPP has launched an initiative, cracking down on drivers who pass school busses. Sean Irvine has more.

Ontario Provincial Police across the region are cracking down on drivers passing stopped school buses.

The 11-day blitz will see officers being dispatched to areas where complaints are frequent.

In fact, Const. Jeff Hare, of the Middlesex OPP detachment, reports it is often too frequent.

“It almost seems like a daily occurrence where we get complaints from bus drivers or other motorists on the road, indicating that somebody has passed through a bus with its red lights activated and flashing.”

And Hare said officers have had enough of it.

So, through the middle of the month, he confirms OPP officers from across southwestern Ontario will be stationing themselves in locations known for infractions.

“This comes about as a result of many near misses throughout the region.”

Officers are looking to avoid any injuries to children, especially as the London-area continues to mourn the late 2024 death of Dante Caranci.

He died exiting a school bus on Longwoods Road, just outside OPP jurisdiction.

Two people face charges related to the 7-year-old’s death -- and both of those cases remain before the courts.

Hare concurred that the tragedy resonates with his fellow officers, who are doing everything they can to protect children.

“We’re just trying to minimize the risks that our youth are seeing when they’re riding the bus. It shouldn’t be a thing, but unfortunately, it still seems to be.”

Late last year, the community bus safety committee at Dante’s school in Delaware debuted the “No excuses’ campaign. It warns drivers to take notice of school buses. Road signs will appear in the coming weeks.

Committee member Lauren Preston told CTV News on Tuesday she welcomes the extra effort by the OPP.

But Preston is calling for stronger year-round enforcement. She also wants stop-arm video cameras installed on all school buses.

In the meantime, Hare says those caught will face $400-$1000 fines.

“It could be a very expensive day. That’s saying you don’t hurt anybody.”

Still, Hare reminds parents and children that they have a role to play in school bus safety.

But ultimately, he wants drivers to be more responsible and firmly reminds them that the yellow flashing lights on buses, just prior to the red, are not an indication to “speed by”.

“We need to do better. We really do!” he concluded.