Provincial Police are raising the alarm over a recent increase in collisions involving school buses.
West Region OPP officials say over the last 30 days, officers have investigated nine bus crashes across the western part of southwestern Ontario. Luckily, there have been no reported injuries to students or bus drivers.
Authorities say that while school bus travel is one of the safest forms of transportation, it requires awareness and responsibility from everyone both on the road and off, including students, parents, and the community.
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, to use handrails when boarding, and to always cross the street in front of the bus, never behind it.
Advice for students: you have a part to play too. Don’t push or run when getting on or off the bus. Listen to your driver. Stay seated and avoid distractions. You’re the future, and your safety is a top priority.
Advice for drivers: slow down. Be patient. Stop when the bus stop arm is extended. That pause could save a life.
School buses are designed to be safe, with flashing lights, stop signs, high seats, and trained drivers. Authorities say even in incidents where no one is hurt, the risk is real.