Near miss with walking school bus ‘shocking’

A motorist drives over a pedestrian crossing in North Rd as the Sacred Heart School walking bus...
A motorist drives over a pedestrian crossing in North Rd as the Sacred Heart School walking bus tried to cross it yesterday morning. PHOTO: GERARD O’BRIEN
Children in the country’s oldest walking school bus had a "shocking" close call when a motorist drove through a pedestrian crossing they were using in north Dunedin.

The Sacred Heart School group was celebrating its 21st anniversary as a walking bus yesterday morning when the incident happened in North Rd.

Acting principal Bronwyn Bradshaw said the walking bus was about a quarter of the way through the crossing when a woman drove through without stopping.

"We were really visible.

"I’m hoping that the police officer that was with us got her registration plate because I thought that was shocking."

She was concerned about the children’s safety.

"It’s a school crossing. You should be going slow anyway."

A parent leader was in front of the group so was able to stop an accident from happening.

Nonetheless, the pupils had a great time on the bus.

"We always celebrate when we’re on the walking school bus," she said.

Move It March safe and active travel mascot Scout and Constable Eddie Smith were also there to help celebrate the anniversary.

Generations of pupils had been a part of the bus that had met at the Quarry Store in North Rd every Thursday morning, rain or shine, for the past 21 years.

Mrs Bradshaw said she thought it was a great form of active transport, but also a nice social time for parents and children alike.

One pupil would be dropped off to the store, which was further from her house than her school, because she enjoyed walking in the bus so much.

"It’s just lovely. You see them smiling and chatting away."

mark.john@odt.co.nz

 

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