VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Law enforcement officers will be stepping up patrols related to school bus safety thanks to grant money from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Stop Arm Violation Enforcement program known as SAVE is part of an ongoing effort to prevent reckless driving in school zones and around buses.
Vincennes Police have announced that for the next couple of weeks officers will be positioned along bus routes and in school zones on high alert for violations.
“Every time you see a bus, slow down, be ready to stop and watch for children. If the overhead lights flash red and the stop arm extends, you are required by law to stop. Under no circumstances should you speed up in an attempt to beat the bus. That’s beyond reckless and puts every child boarding or exiting the bus in danger.”
Vincennes Police Sergeant Bobby Kern
Last year alone, more than 2,700 drivers were cited for stop-arm violations by Indiana law enforcement, according to Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. To address this, officers will be conducting additional school zone patrols in the morning and afternoon hours as well as patrols along bus routes identified in cooperation with local bus drivers and school transportation officials.
As part of the campaign, the department is urging motorists to slow down, pay attention to the road and to never pass a bus that has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. This applies to all roads with one exception. On highways divided by a physical barrier, such as a concrete wall or grassy median, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the school bus are required to stop. It’s also important when approaching a school bus to be prepared to stop. Plan ahead and factor in extra time during each commute for school bus stops.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a website with safety tips regarding school buses.
If folks are caught disregarding the school bus stop arm they could face a penalty of up to $10,000, have their license suspended for up to 90 days for the first offense.
