During the past school year, there were a few concerns with vehicles passing school busses.  It is illegal to pass a bus that is loading or unloading.  Due to the concerns, the bus circle will be chained off for vehicles once the busses are in the circle.  This should increase safety and reduce drivers passing busses!

STOP! SCHOOL BUS! It is the law!

A person shall be found guilty of reckless driving who fails to stop, when approaching from any direction, any school bus which is stopped on any highway or school driveway for the purpose of taking on or discharging children and to remain stopped until all such persons are clear of the highway or school driveway and the bus is put in motion.

• It is illegal and VERY dangerous to pass a stopped school bus when the sign located on the side of the bus is extended or the warning lights are flashing
• Warning lights or stop signs mean that students are getting on or off the bus -  STOP!
• You must always stop for flashing red lights if you are approaching a stopped school bus from any direction

IT IS A MISTAKE THAT THEY CAN’T AFFORD YOU TO MAKE

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, children are at the greatest risk when they are getting on or off the school bus.  Most children killed in bus related crashes are pedestrians, five to seven years old, who are getting on or off the bus.  They are hit by the school bus OR by motorists illegally passing a stopped school bus.

CHILDREN EXPECT VEHICLES TO STOP FOR THEM AT THE SCHOOL BUS STOP! 

What can happen if you pass a stopped school bus? 

Legally you can:

• Have the legal fees involved with hiring an attorney
• Miss time from work for Court
• Be subject to a penalty of $250
• Be found guilty of reckless driving, with a fine and points associated with it
• Be found guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of 12 months in jail and fine up to $2500
• Lose 6 point off your license

Civilly, you can:

• Be subject to a civil lawsuit by the family of any child you might injure or kill