Reducing school bus fly-bys in Strathcona County: A collaborative success story 

School bus fly-bys, where drivers illegally pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, have long been a safety concern in rural Strathcona County. These incidents pose a significant risk to children boarding or exiting the bus, and despite strict laws and penalties, the problem persists. Concerns about safety from parents, bus drivers, and staff at  Elk Island Public Schools and Elk Island Catholic Schools were brought forward to Strathcona County RCMP & Enforcement Services.  

Through a concerted effort involving increased proactive patrols by the Community Peace Officers, an awareness campaign, and strong community partnerships, Strathcona County has experienced early success in reducing the number of fly-bys. Between September and December 2024, 36 fly-bys were reported. The following quarter (January to March 2025), only 6 fly-bys were reported.   

By listening to the concerns brought forward and creating a plan of action, the team was able to support the  Community Safety Well-being strategic priority of community safety. Ensuring that citizens feel heard and supported by law enforcement is an important part of helping citizens feel physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally safe in Strathcona County.   

Understanding the problem  

A school bus fly-by is not only illegal but extremely dangerous, as it can lead to severe incidents involving children. In Strathcona County, hot spots for fly-bys included major roads like Highway 16, Highway 14, and Range Road 215.  

Despite the $567 fine and six demerit points for offenders, the number of incidents remained high, prompting the need for a more proactive approach.    
 
Subject matter experts from Strathcona County Enforcement Services, Strathcona County Transportation Engineering and Operations, Elk Island Public Schools Student Transportation, Elk Island Catholic Schools Student Transportation, and Northeast Region CAER collaborated to address the issue.    

Increased proactive patrols  

The first step, Strathcona County Enforcement Services ramped up proactive patrols in identified hot spots. Community Peace Officers increased their presence along school bus routes, particularly during peak hours when buses were picking up and dropping off students.  

Inspector Vito DiSciglio, Manager of Enforcement Services, noted that the increased patrols were crucial in reducing the number of fly-bys. By having officers on-site, drivers were more likely to slow down and stop when they saw a school bus with flashing red lights.  

The presence of law enforcement also facilitated immediate action against violators, ensuring that offenders were held accountable.  

The public awareness campaign  

The second step in addressing the issue was launching a comprehensive public awareness campaign aimed at educating the public about the dangers and legal consequences of school bus fly-bys. The campaign utilized various platforms, including social media, local media, and Strathcona County advertising platforms, such as screens within County facilities.   
 
Key figures in the community, such as Strathcona County Ward 8 Coun. Katie Berghofer, spoke out about the importance of understanding school bus safety in urban and rural communities.   

The campaign highlighted that everyone needs to do their part to ensure children have a safe commute to and from school, making it clear that a moment of impatience could lead to a lifetime of regret.  

Community partnership  

The success of the initiative was also due to strong community partnerships. Each member had a part to play and utilized the resources available to them to tackle this issue.  

Student transportation at both school districts used this as an opportunity to encourage their drivers to report fly-bys and record them when they can. Some school buses are equipped with cameras and when incidents are captured, the footage can be used by the Community Peace Officers to issue tickets. Additionally, increased reporting helps ensure that the hot spots are kept up-to-date and proactive patrols can take place where they are most needed.