Data from Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) suggests nearly three school buses are illegally passed each school day in our area.
Over 41 days in May and June, local school bus drivers reported 121 violations on 52 of the 330 routes in Nipissing and Parry Sound.
“The data is indicative of approximately 552 incidents per school year, or 2.95 per school day,” states a release. “Analysis of the data identified key areas in which mitigating strategies, public education, awareness and enforcement can help reduce almost half of the reported incidents.”
Problem areas include Lake Joseph Road in Seguin Township, and Bowes, Gibson and Church Streets in Parry Sound, while North Bay sees the most issues around Lakeshore Drive, Fisher Street, Airport Road, Trout Lake Road, and McKeown Avenue.
Prevention strategies that have been started include moving bus stops to safer locations, reviewing roadway and sightline issues and enhancing public education and awareness.
NPSSTS is also sharing the information with area police to assist with resource deployment and enforcement efforts.
Officials point out over 60 per cent of the incidents occured in the afternoon with nearly 90 per cent of violations happening when meeting the bus.
They say improving safety is an ongoing process that they will continue to address.
School buses are back on the road Tuesday, Sept. 6 with the start of classes around the region.
**Written by Richard Coffin