It’s great to see the Charleston County School District and local law enforcement taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of students as they return to school. The issue of drivers illegally passing stopped school buses is a serious one, as it puts children at great risk when they are loading or unloading. The addition of stop arm cameras on 30 buses this year should hopefully help deter these violations, as well as assist in identifying offenders.
Operation Safe Stop is another effective measure to keep an eye on bus routes and enforce the law, with officers trailing buses to ensure drivers stop when required. It’s reassuring to know that the community is focusing on the safety of children with such vigilance.
The penalties for passing a stopped school bus, including hefty fines and points on your license, should serve as a strong deterrent. It’s especially important for drivers to remember the dangers around school buses, as children can be difficult to see, particularly in busy areas or when crossing the road.
It’s a good reminder for all drivers to slow down, be extra cautious, and always stop for a school bus with its stop arm extended. Hopefully, these measures will make the roads safer for students this school year.
Do you think the increased monitoring with cameras and “Operation Safe Stop” will make a significant impact on the number of violations?
