A recent spike in school bus collisions has the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) sounding the alarm and urging extra caution from motorists across southwestern Ontario.
In the past 30 days, the OPP’s West Region has investigated nine separate crashes involving school buses in various communities.
While no injuries have been reported among students or bus drivers, police say the uptick is troubling.
Each school day, more than 800,000 Ontario students travel by bus, logging a combined 1.9 million kilometres across the province. The buses are engineered with key safety features including flashing lights, stop arms, high seatbacks, and professional drivers.
But despite these measures, OPP stress that a moment of inattention from other motorists can still lead to dangerous situations.
The OPP are reminding parents to speak with children about proper school bus safety—waiting until the vehicle stops fully, using handrails when boarding, and always crossing in front of the bus.
Students are also encouraged to do their part by listening to their driver, staying seated, and avoiding distractions during the ride.
For motorists, the message is simple: slow down, stay alert, and always stop when the school bus stop arm is extended. Failing to do so is not only dangerous, but illegal.
“The safety of our children is non-negotiable,” said Inspector Mike McConnell, Manager of Traffic Safety and Marine at West Region OPP Headquarters. “Stopping isn’t just the law—it’s your responsibility.”
More information on school bus safety is available at ontario.ca.
Written by: K. Freeman
