Patrols heightened around school bus safety in West Kelowna

Published 3:10 pm Thursday, March 5, 2026

West Kelowna RCMP have been upping safety when it comes to school buses and school zones.

In recent weeks, members of the RCMP’s Traffic Section and Crime Reduction Unit have been working with School District 23 to address concerns with motorists failing to stop for buses.

Officers have been accompanying school buses on their routes while motoring busy pick-up and drop-off locations throughout West Kelowna. The initiative has been to address drivers who haven’t been stopping for buses with their flashing red lights and extended stop sign when kids are boarding or exiting.

“We take the safety of our school children very seriously,” said Cpl. Tyrone Wilton, of the West Kelowna RCMP Traffic Section. “This issue was brought forward by parents and the school district, and our units will be making a focused effort to address it. Ensuring that students can get to and from school safely is a shared priority within our community.”

The RCMP is reminding drivers of the following when approaching a school bus:

• Drivers in both directions must stop when a school bus has its flashing red lights activated and the stop sign arm extended, unless travelling on a divided highway;
• Do not pass or proceed until the red lights stop flashing and the bus begins moving again;
• Reduce speed and remain vigilant in school zones, residential neighbourhoods, and areas where children may be waiting for or exiting a bus;
• Be prepared for unpredictable pedestrian behaviour, especially from young children.

Failing to stop for a bus can result in enforcement action, including applicable penalty points and fines.

Additionally, RCMP encourage the public to report unsafe or dangerous driving.