State Trooper emphasizes importance of bus stop-arm law this school year
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., (KRDO) - This year, officials are reminding motorists to be aware of the state's school bus stop-arm law.
According to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, Colorado bus drivers reported seeing between 500-1,000 motorists illegally passing their school buses.
The Colorado bus stop-arm law says drivers must stop at least 20 feet before approaching a school bus that has come to a stop with flashing red lights and the stop-arm extended.
Colorado law requires drivers on both sides of the road to stop.
Drivers need to stay stopped until the flashing red lights are no longer operating and the area is clear of children.
Colorado State Patrol Trooper, Josh Lewis says this warning is important.
"A simple lane violation or passing of one of these buses when kiddos are out, maybe not paying attention, can be disastrous, so we hope that this message is becoming loud and clear," added Lewis.
Colorado bus drivers reported seeing up to 1,000 motorists in a single day illegally passing their school buses, that's according to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, nationwide that number sits at about 80,000.
"It is extremely alarming when we hear numbers like these knowing that the people most affected are the school kids that we send to school every day as parents, as community members," said Lewis.
Triple A says about 41 percent of drivers admit to speeding in an active school zone. In Colorado, that number is at 57 percent, a four percent increase from last year.
Sam Cole with the Colorado Department of Transportation says the last decade has been dreadful.
"In the last ten years in Colorado, we have seen a steep rise in the number of pedestrians on our roadways, including children, that have been hit by vehicles and killed- that is troubling and that is a call to all drivers out there to pay more attention to pedestrians," said Cole.
Drivers who violate the law can face a fine of up to $1,000 and even get points assessed against their driving record. State troopers say that should be the least of your concerns.
