Wawasee students prepare to board the bus on the first day of school Wednesday, Aug. 9. Children should stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb while waiting for the bus. InkFreeNews photos by Phoebe Muthart.

By Phoebe Muthart
Staff Writer

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Some 25 million students nationwide begin and end their day with a trip on a school bus. Designed for safety, with flashing lights, giant mirrors, stop-sign arms and a bright yellow color, students are far more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus than traveling by car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

As students head back to the classroom, the Kosciusko County Traffic Safety Partnership is reminding motorists to stop for school buses or face the consequences.

As of Aug. 1, Kosciusko County Traffic Safety Partnership began increasing 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.

“When a school bus’s red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, drivers must come to a complete stop,” said Craig Allebach, grant administrator. “This is not a suggestion — it’s the law.”

Despite thousands of motorists being cited under the Stop Arm Violation Enforcement grant 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. The 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. This year, data collection took place April 25, with 6,665 bus drivers participating from 195 school districts.

“It’s disheartening that we still have people who are willing to put the lives of students and bus drivers at risk,” said Devon McDonald, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute’s executive director. “Law enforcement cannot be everywhere, so it’s 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 Allebach. “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.

The following are some safety tips:

At The Bus Stop

• Arrive early at the bus stop, at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

• Stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb while waiting for the bus.

• Supervise young children.

Around The Bus

• Cross in front of the bus – at least 10 feet (or five giant steps) – and make eye contact with the driver before crossing.

• Never walk behind the bus.

• If you drop something near the bus, don’t pick it up; tell the bus driver.

Getting On And Off The Bus

• Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before approaching the bus or standing up on the bus.

• Use the handrail.

• Secure any loose or hanging objects, like straps on a backpack or drawstrings on a hood.

Behavior On The Bus

• Buckle up if seat belts are available.

• Stay in your seat keeping head, arms and papers inside the bus; talk quietly.

• Keep aisles clear of books and bags.

National School Bus Safety Week, held during the third full week of October each year, focuses on the importance of school bus safety.

When a school bus’s red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, like shown, drivers must come to a complete stop in both directions.