Speeding school bus driver charged as part of enforcement blitz

“It is timed strategically with the Victoria Day Long Weekend, as there is a tendency for a high volume of travellers on the roadways at that time.”

Officers from different units – Traffic Management Unit and Uniform Traffic Liaison officers – worked together on patrols and to respond to aggressive driving complaints. In addition to the speeding school bus driver, police also charged an aggressive driver operating a Dodge pickup truck, giving him a three-day suspension. Another aggressive driver caused a collision and was also charged, the release from police said.

The goal of the safety blitz was to target offences such as impaired driving (alcohol or drugs); suspended and prohibited driving; distracted driving; aggressive driving; and, the improper use of seatbelts.

By the end of the week, 47 people were caught speeding; 10 while driving and talking or texting on their cellphones; 15 bylaw offences, seven seatbelt officers; and, two people were charged with stunt driving. offences

“The Traffic Management Unit would like to remind motorists that high risk driving behaviours will be the focus throughout the month of May, as part of the 12 Month High Visibility Program,” the release from Sudbury police said.

Another enforcement program – The Eyes Have It – Stoned Driving is Impaired Driving – is also currently in effect. It targets drivers impaired by marijuana or other drugs.

“Driving under the influence of both legal and illegal substances is a growing challenge,” the release said. “Police officers across Canada – including within our police service – are trained in the area of standard field sobriety tests and drug recognition evaluations.”

Police urge drivers to check with a physician or pharmacist about side-effects of legal medications “that could potentially impair your ability to drive. Also read all labels on both prescribed and over the counter medication.”

Drugged driving enforcement got a boost in 2013 when police received money to train front-line officers on how to spot drugged drivers.