OPP warning of spike in school bus crashes due to impatient drivers

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding motorists and families to be cautious on the roads after a spike in school bus crashes over the last month.

Through April and the start of May, there were 10 crashes involving school buses in southwestern Ontario, including Elgin County, Middlesex County and South Bruce, OPP said.

Driver inattentiveness and impatience are key causes of the crashes, according to OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk.

"I don't know what drivers are thinking, because people need to realize that it's $490 for a fine, but the minute that child crosses the road, you strike and you kill that child, you're going to live with that regret for the rest of your life," said Sanchuk, adding that the latest crash was on Thursday.

The numbers are not a surprise for London resident Charles Bakker, who said he sees cars speeding by his kids' bus stop on a weekly basis.

"I cannot fathom that there are very many people, if any, who are intentionally trying to put children's lives at risk, so I have to think this is a matter of people who don't want to be inconvenienced," he said.

Bakker lives along Longwoods Road, not far from where a seven-year-old boy was struck and killed getting off his school bus in December.

There were no injuries to students or bus drivers during the April and May crashes, OPP said, adding that school bus travel is still safe.

"They're one of the safest forms of transportation, but safety doesn't happen by accident. It takes awareness, responsibility and teamwork from everyone," Sanchuk said in an awareness video posted to social media.

Bakker, who has stood near his kids' pickup spot to videotape speedy drivers, said it's the drivers who rush past the bus as it's slowing down who create the most danger.

"If they're just hoping to save maybe a minute of time or save themselves the unpleasant feeling of having to wait even just a minute for kids to get on and off, they'll try and speed up," he said.

Drivers should give themselves extra time if they're going out during bus pick-up or drop-off times, said school bus driver Jim Whitehead, adding that he sees drivers speed by his buses regularly.

"School bus drivers aren't there to ruin your day," said Whitehead, who drives for Lang Bus Lines. "We're just trying to do our jobs and make sure kids get home to their parents and family safe and sound."

The OPP is reminding parents, students and drivers to be more attentive on the roads.

"When you do see a school bus on the road and it activates its yellow lights at the very top of the bus, that's your clue to please slow down," said Sanchuck. "That's not your indication to speed up and to try and pass that bus."

Drivers should also be sure to come to a full stop when the bus stop arm is extended, he said.

"That pause could save a life."

Parents should remind children to stay alert and always cross the street in front of a bus, OPP said, adding that students should not run or push when getting on and off the bus.

The OPP West Region will also be spending the next week running a bus safety campaign to address the most common concerns on the roadways., Sanchuk said.