RCMP crack down on school bus passing after video posted online

Island RCMP are trying new tactics to crack down on drivers zipping past stopped school buses after a home video shot last fall put the issue in the spotlight.

The video shot in November by Brookfield resident Claude McNeill showed traffic zooming past a school bus that had stopped to pick up his grandchildren.

The press releases and the increase in public awareness really is designed to generate buzz, to generate conversation. RCMP Const. Jeff Gillis

The story was shared thousands of times on social media, prompting many Island residents to share their own experiences and call on the RCMP for better enforcement.

Const. Jeff Gillis said the story clearly got people talking, and that grabbed the attention of RCMP.

"The awareness that's been generated as a result of that story has been great to generate discussion in the office," he said. "So, we've done some brainstorming, our management has been good to come up with some creative ideas."

Those ideas include having officers ride along on school buses or in unmarked cars behind buses in order to catch drivers in the act.

Traffic speeds past school bus (Submitted by Claude McNeill)

9 years ago

Duration 0:28

Video shows traffic zipping past a stopped school bus in Brookfield, P.E.I.

Generating a buzz

Gillis doesn't have exact numbers, but said those new strategies have led to several tickets being issued. At least three drivers have been fined since November a significant jump over the past three years in which only a total of five fines were handed out across the Island.

Gillis said police are issuing tickets not just for passing stopped buses, but also for other infractions that put students' safety at risk like speeding and distracted driving.

"They might not notice the school bus flashing if they're approaching the school bus too quickly and can't get stopped or if they're committing another offence like using their cell phone at the same time," he said.

RCMP are now issuing news releases when a driver has been fined, just like they do with impaired driving charges.

"The press releases and the increase in public awareness really is designed to generate buzz, to generate conversation, and to make it in the front of people's minds and more aware of their driving."

A noticeable change

The McNeills say they've noticed a difference outside their home in Brookfield since the video was posted.

"There has been an improvement since the video went online early November," said Jamie Doucette, whose parentsposted the video.

"It has brought awareness, though some people still slip by oblivious to the bus on the other side of the road with red lights flashing and the horn blowing. It still needs work but an improvement has been seen."

Madeline McNeill, whose husband shot the video, credits P.E.I.'s transportation department for installing a sign nearby warning drivers about the bus stop and RCMP for stepping up enforcement.

"I'm very impressed with RCMP," McNeill said.

"They are really doing a good job. I have seen them out here more since this video. So, they are really pulling their weight when it comes to trying to get something done."

Though McNeillwon't be entirely happy until she stops seeing cars zip past school buses altogether.

"The children need to be respected, and so do the bus drivers, because they have a lot of care and attention for the children getting on that bus."