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As spring breaks end, PCSO urges heeding school bus stops
As students head back to the classroom after spring break, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists to stop for school buses.
When school bus red lights are flashing and a stop arm is extended, drivers must come to a complete stop.
The office noted that despite thousands of motorists being cited under the state’s Stop Arm Violation Enforcement (SAVE) program, unsafe driving around school buses continues to be a concern.
“It is disheartening that we still have people who are willing to put the lives of students and bus drivers at risk,” the office stated. “Law enforcement cannot be everywhere, so it is up to drivers to do the right thing and exercise caution around school buses.”
Disregarding a school bus stop arm is a Class A infraction. Violators could pay a fine up to $10,000 and have their license suspended up to 90 days for the first offense, or up to one year after the second.
If a person disregarding a stop arm causes bodily injury to a person, the offense becomes a Class 6 felony, and violators face anywhere from six months to two-and-a-half years in jail. If someone is killed, the offense becomes a Class 5 felony, carrying a sentence between one year and six years.
“Be safe, Putnam County,” the office exhorted. “Protect our school children and bus drivers.”