Oxford County OPP ready for Operation Safe Start to improve bus safety

By Lee Griffi

Most Oxford County students will be back in the classroom on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and for many of them it means getting on the bus in the morning and getting of the bus in the afternoon. For the Oxford OPP, safety is top of mind.

The Oxford detachment will be conducting a traffic initiative during the first two weeks of the school year called Operation Safe Start. The initiative will run from Sept. 8-11 and 14-18 throughout Oxford County.

Starting in September, Oxford County experiences increased traffic volumes around schools and along school bus routes during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods. These conditions increase the risk of collisions, speeding, distracted driving, pedestrian conflicts and violations involving stopped school buses.

OPP media relations Const. Randi Crawford said any time there is an increase in the amount of people on area roadways there will be a rise in the chance of a collision occurring.

“We are trying to get people to get it in their heads right now to start preparing for those buses to make sure people are prepared by giving themselves extra time.”

Police will conduct targeted enforcement throughout county municipalities. The initiative will focus on monitoring driver behaviour around school-zone regulations and school-bus safety laws, which will support safe student boarding and unloading. Officers will educate and enforce, where appropriate.

“We want our results to be zero. We don’t want to give out any warnings or charges. We want motorists to get themselves into the right mindset to have a safe start to the school year. We understand people have busy schedules, but that’s no excuse for parking in bus zones and travelling faster than you should be through a school zone,” said Crawford.

Student safety remains a priority for police, particularly in school zones and at school-bus loading and unloading locations, where children are most vulnerable.

“Motorists must stop at least 20 metres away whenever approaching a stopped school bus with its upper alternating red lights flashing, regardless of whether they are approaching it from the front or rear,” Crawford said. “You cannot proceed until the bus moves or the lights have stopped flashing.”

She added it is illegal not to stop for a stationary school bus with its red lights flashing.

“If you don't stop, you can be fined $400 to $2,000 and receive six demerit points for a first offence. School bus operators and other witnesses can report vehicles that have illegally passed a school bus.”

Police are also asking parents to educate their children on being smart when riding a bus to reduce the chance of injury.

“This is a great time for parents to talk to their kids about safe and smart activity on a bus. Make sure they are sitting down, paying attention and following the bus driver’s instructions. If a collision does happen, if you are doing all the right things, the risk of injury is definitely lower,” Crawford said.

To learn more about the rules pertaining to "stopping for school buses" visit www.ontario.ca/document/official-ministry-transportation-mto-bus-handbook/stopping-school-buses-law.

"Student safety remains a high priority in our communities. This initiative aims to promote compliance with school zone regulations and school bus safety laws while enhancing the safety of all students travelling to and from school,” said Oxford OPP detachment commander, Insp. Tony Hymers.

“Motorists remaining patient and alert when driving among school buses and school zones can help everyone have a safe start to the school year.”