HANCOCK COUNTY — The post on social media did not mince words. The school bus driver was upset with vehicle drivers — young and old alike — who refuse to stop for school buses, even blowing through safety stop arms, completely ignoring the flashing lights.
“Please share with your kids that are just getting their license, but I have more grown adults passing me on (US) 40 with my stop arm out than kids,” the post said. “If there is no barrier (grass median, concrete, etc.) all lanes must stop!”
The bus driver is not alone in the frustration and wanting to make sure drivers respect school bus safety law. Officials from the Indiana State Police sent out a reminder to all motorists to follow the rules of the road pertaining to school buses.
Law enforcement officials say it’s pretty simple to follow the laws.
When a school bus is stopping or stopped with the red lights flashing and the stop arm extended, all drivers must stop.
When approaching the school bus from either direction on a two-lane road, motorists are required to stop.
When approaching the school bus from any direction on a multiple-lane highway where there is no barrier or median separating lanes of travel, motorists are required to stop.
Motorists who are on a divided highway with a barrier, such as cable barrier, concrete wall or grassy median, are required to stop but only if they are traveling in the same direction as the school bus.
Regardless of the particular situation, law enforcement officials say that when a driver sees a school bus — with or without lights flashing or the stop arm extended — that big yellow school bus should serve as a reminder there are children in the immediate area.
That means drivers need to slow down, be patient, use caution, always be prepared to stop and drive as if the kids on or around the bus were your own.
Prosecutor Brent Eaton noted there are consequences for drivers who violate school bus safety laws, and his office will enforce them.
Drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
If a violation injures someone, the offense rises to a Level 6 felony, punishable by six months to two-and-a-half years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Recklessly passing a stopped bus and killing someone is a Level 5 felony, carrying a one- to six-year prison sentence and up to $10,000 in fines.
Courts can also suspend driving privileges for someone who violates the stop-arm law. Driving privileges can be suspended for 90 days or for up to one year for repeat offenders.
“As we embark on a new school year, the safety of the students in our community remains our utmost priority,” Eaton said. “One of the most critical aspects of ensuring their well-being is school bus safety.”
Eaton noted the iconic yellow school bus is an essential part of the educational journey for millions of children, and citizens must all come together to promote a safe and secure environment for learners.
“Let’s work hand in hand to ensure every child’s journey to and from school is a safe and pleasant one,” Eaton said. “By instilling good habits, fostering a culture of responsibility and being vigilant on the roads, we can make a significant difference in school bus safety.”
