As students in southwest Indiana head back to school this week, Indiana State Police reminds everyone the importance of watching for students and stopping for school buses while they are loading and/or unloading children.
State Police report that they receive complaints almost daily from school bus drivers, parents and concerned citizens about motorists not stopping for school buses when required. Distracted driving is no doubt a contributing factor, so troopers remind all motorists the importance of avoiding distractions while driving, especially near schools.
Remember that school bus drivers will activate the buses flashing amber/yellow lights when preparing to stop to load and/or unload children. When you see those lights you should slow down and prepare to stop. Once the school bus stops and the RED flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, motorists are required to stop and not pass the school bus.
If a school bus stops on a two lane road and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, all motorists MUST stop. If a bus stops on a multi-lane roadway without a barrier and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, all motorists MUST stop. On multi lane highways where this a grassy or concrete barriers only the traffic behind the bus must stop.
A person who disregards a school bus stop arm commits a Class A Infraction and could receive a maximum fine of $10,000.
