shelby-county-sheriff-s-department-urges-drivers-to-stop-illegal-school-bus-passing
As students head back to the classroom, the Shelby County Traffic Safety Partnership is reminding motorists to stop for school buses or face the consequences.
The Shelby County Traffic Safety Partnership is operating increased patrols to prevent stop-arm violations, speeding and other forms of reckless driving around school buses and in school zones. The overtime patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).
“When a school bus’ red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, drivers must come to a complete stop,” said Sheriff Louie Koch. “This is not a suggestion — it’s the law.”
Despite thousands of motorists being cited under the SAVE program, unsafe driving around school buses continues to be a concern, according to state officials.
In April, thousands of bus drivers who participated in a one-day observational survey counted 2,091 stop-arm violations in Indiana. That one-day total, when multiplied by the number of school days, adds up to a potential 376,380 violations throughout the school year.
The data comes from the National School Bus Illegal Passing Driver Survey, which is managed by the Indiana Department of Education in the state. This year, data collection took place on April 25, with 6,665 bus drivers participating from 195 school districts.
"It is disheartening that we still have people who are willing to put the lives of students and bus drivers at risk," said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. "Law enforcement cannot be everywhere, so it is up to drivers to do the right thing and exercise caution around school buses. Students' lives depend on it."
During the enforcement period, officers will coordinate with local bus drivers and school transportation officials, with efforts concentrated in the morning and afternoon hours. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of school bus safety and following the law.
“Passing a stopped school bus is against the law and could have fatal consequences. Nothing is worth the risk,” said Sheriff Louie Koch. “We need every driver to pay attention, because children’s lives are on the line.”
Disregarding a school bus stop arm is a Class A Infraction. Violators could pay a fine of up to $10,000, have their license suspended for up to 90 days for the first offense or up to one year for the second.
If the person disregarding a school bus stop arm causes bodily injury to a person, the offense becomes a Class 6 felony. Violators face anywhere from six months to two and a half years in jail. If someone is killed, the offense becomes a Class 5 felony, carrying a sentence between one year and six years.
Get the most recent Shelby County Post headlines delivered to your email. Go to shelbycountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.
Lisa's Little Free Library open in Sumner
Flood watch issued for southeastern Illinois
Indiana earns top credit rating from major agency
LCMH to host Girls Night Out
Knox County extends road weight limits
BFPD announces officer promotions
Red Cross seeks donations to curb severe blood shortage
IDPH releases carbon monoxide surveillance report, urges CO detector use
Knox County Solid Waste looking for new Executive Director
Lawrence County authorities make three weekend arrests
Indians capture regional title
Knox County Commissioners host public meeting on solar ordinance Sunday
IECC to hold SPIN nights
INDOT Knox County bridge replacement project
Southwestern Indiana situation ends without incident
INDOT implements new roadway worker safety initiative: Project Greenlight
Metz receives ISBE Excel Award
