OPP targeting unsafe drivers around school buses

A fleet of school buses in seen parked in a London, Ont.-area parking lot in this undated CTV file image. (File)

West Region OPP officers are hoping to combat a recent spike in school bus crashes with a new traffic enforcement campaign.

The campaign, “Safety Stops Here”, runs from May 12 until May 15.

West Region OPP members from 13 detachments in southwestern Ontario will conduct enforcement blitzes for school bus runs using marked and unmarked cruisers.

Officers will also “adopt a bus” by selecting a route and following the school bus to its destination.

“Risky driving behaviours around school buses are unacceptable. This initiative presents an opportunity to raise awareness through enforcement and education. The goal is to help ensure a safe end to the school year for students across our communities,” said Insp. Mike McConnell, OPP West Region Traffic Safety and Marine Manager.

Officers will focus their efforts on drivers who fail to stop for school buses with activated stop arms, in addition to those motorists who engage in unsafe driving behaviours like unsafe passing, speeding and following too closely.

OPP West Region is launching the campaign after officers responded to nine school bus collisions last month. While no injuries were reported, police say the frequency and risk to student safety is a growing concern.