With many local students heading to class on Monday after a few weeks off for winter break, drivers are being reminded to watch out for buses back on the roadways.
Sergeant Ted Bohner, Public Information Officer for the Indiana State Police Bremen Post issued a statement Sunday evening, reminding motorists to be prepared to stop for school buses.
Motorists are always asked to be alert, drive the speed limit and allow plenty of time to reach their destination.
According to officials, drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor which is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
If the action injures someone, the offense rises to a Level 6 felony which can result in anywhere from six months to two-and-a-half years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Recklessly passing a stopped school bus and killing someone is a Level 5 felony that can carry a prison sentence of one-to six-years and up to $10,000 fines.
Courts also have the authority to suspend driving privileges for someone who violates the stop-arm law. They can be suspended for 90 days or up to one year for repeat offenders.
To assist drivers, Sergeant Bohner also shared an info-graphic showing that the proper protocol can vary depending on where your vehicle is located.
With most stretches of roadway, vehicles traveling in both directions are required to stop whenever a bus has flashing lights activated and the stop arm extended.
The one exception that’s noted is when there is a divided highway with a barrier, raised median or unpaved/grassy space in between the lanes.
When that is the case, all cars going the same way, behind the bus are required to come to a stop. Drivers traveling the other direction are allowed to proceed but are asked to use caution.
