By LAURA HAMMACK, guest columnist
It’s hard to believe how fast the summer is going. On Aug. 7, school buses will once again be making their way through the county. Our transportation department has been working very hard to prepare for a safe school year.
The Indiana General Assembly introduced a bill during the past legislative cycle to increase school bus safety. This new law has several components that address unique aspects of school transportation. Our transportation department is currently working to ensure that all components of the bill are addressed.
One of the stipulations in the rather extensive law is an increase in penalties for individuals who pass school buses when the stop arm is extended. Specifically, the penalty is increased from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor for an individual who recklessly passes a school bus when its stop arm is extended on a roadway or a private road.
It also increases the penalty from a Class A misdemeanor to a Level 6 felony for an individual who recklessly passes a school bus when its stop arm is extended if the action results in injury, and to a Level 5 felony for an individual who recklessly passes a school bus when its stop arm is extended if the action results in death.
Additionally, the law provides that the court may suspend the driving privileges of a person who recklessly passes a school bus when its stop arm is extended: (1) for 90 days; or (2) if the person has committed at least one previous school bus arm offense, for one year.
We are grateful to see stricter penalties for individuals who pass a school bus when the stop arm is extended. I expect our readers would be very surprised to learn that we field an alarming number of reports of stop arm violations. For each violation, there is a massive potential for a serious accident.
I beg of our readers, obey all school bus stop arms. Additionally, be on notice that we report each incident to local law enforcement. We sincerely appreciate the way in which they attempt to track down each offender.
Another component of the law is that that each school corporation must review each bus route and school bus safety policies annually to improve the safety of students and adults.
Our school district just went through a complete revision of school bus routes during the contract bid process. Each route and stop have been analyzed for safety and efficiency. With the improvements that were made, some of the routes are different.
It is important to drive with attention and care when school buses are on the road, because conditions and stops continuously change throughout the school year.
The new law also requires that daytime running lights must be illuminated at all times and buses must be equipped with black reflective tape on the front and back bumpers as well as the sides of the school bus. All of these efforts are to increase visibility of school buses. It’s amazing to think that a very large yellow bus would be challenging to see. However, dark mornings and distracted drivers can be a recipe for disaster. With additional requirements like these, we believe that safety standards are improved.
We are excited for the upcoming school year and are committed to ensuring that our school buses are in world-class condition every single school day. To reach the safest conditions for our students and drivers, we genuinely need assistance from our community drivers.
The first day of school often takes community members by surprise because it is so early. Please pay extra attention to the school buses on the roads by slowing down and obeying the school bus stop arms.
Should you ever have any questions about transportation department policies, procedures, route information, or any other related information, don’t hesitate to contact the department directly at 812-988-5412. You can also visit the transportation department website page at browncountyschools.com/transportation.
Laura Hammack is superintendent of Brown County schools. She can be reached at 812-988-6601 or [email protected].
