Putnam County Sheriff’s Office stepping up patrols to prevent stop-arm violations

Courtesy photo/PCSO

As students head back to the classroom, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists to stop for school buses or face the consequences.

Starting again on Aug. 4, local law enforcement agencies increased patrols to prevent stop-arm violations, speeding and other forms of reckless driving around school buses and in school zones.

The overtime patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).

“Community safety is one of the mission objectives of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Jerrod Baugh said. “Grants like this and others allow us to spend focused work time on this mission. The safety of children in and around schools and buses will remain on the forefront for our deputies. Drive safe, Putnam County”.

During the Spring enforcement program, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office issued 37 stop arm violations, 15 speed zone violations and 23 stop sign or stop light violations during the 168 hours of extra patrol.

Despite thousands of motorists being cited under the save program, unsafe driving around school buses continues to be a concern, according to state officials. In April, thousands of bus drivers who participated in a one-day observational survey counted 2,091 stop-arm violations in Indiana.

That one-day total, when multiplied by the number of school days, adds up to a potential 376,380 violations throughout the school year.

The data comes from the National School Bus Illegal Passing Driver Survey, which is managed by the Indiana Department of Education. This year, data collection took place on April 25, with 6,665 bus drivers participating from 195 school districts.

“It is disheartening that we still have people who are willing to put the lives of students and bus drivers at risk,” ICJI Executive Director Devon Mcdonald said. “Law enforcement cannot be everywhere, so it is up to drivers to do the right thing and exercise caution around school buses. Students’ lives depend on it.

During the enforcement period, deputies will coordinate with local bus drivers and school transportation officials, with efforts concentrated in the morning and afternoon hours. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of school bus safety and following the law.