With students returning to school, law enforcement agencies in Indiana have initiated a school bus safety enforcement campaign to remind motorists about stopping for school buses and the potential consequences of violations. Over the next few weeks, officers will increase patrols to deter stop-arm violations, speeding, and reckless driving in school zones. Despite previous citation efforts, unsafe driving around school buses remains a concern, as evidenced by a one-day observational survey in April where bus drivers recorded 2,091 stop-arm violations in Indiana. Drivers are reminded to slow down and prepare to stop when school bus lights flash yellow. Failure to obey the school bus stop arm is a Class A Infraction, resulting in a fine of up to $10,000 and a potential license suspension of up to 90 days for the first offense or up to 1 year for the second offense. If disregarding the stop arm causes bodily injury, it becomes a Class 6 felony with possible jail time of six months to two and a half years.
