October 12, 2016
By Paul Joseph, News Director
The Texas Department of Public Safety is bolstering school bus safety efforts.
In conjunction with National School Bus Safety week, October 17-21, the Texas DPS is urging drivers to comply with laws prohibiting the passing of school buses. During this period, highway patrol troopers will be watching for drivers who violate the law and will be taking the appropriate enforcement action.
It is illegal to pass any school bus that’s stopped and operating a visual signal – either flashing red lights or a stop sign.
DPS Director Steven McCraw says the safety of our children is always a priority and that any time a driver disregards a stopped school bus, they put children’s lives in danger. McCraw adds that DPS will not tolerate individuals who ignore the law, putting their own convenience before a child’s safety.
During National School Bus Safety Week, troopers in many areas will be riding on or following school buses to catch motorists who break the law.
In 2015 and year to date in 2016, Texas Highway Patrol troopers have issued one-thousand and 93 tickets for passing a stopped school bus and failure to stop for a school bus was a contributing factor in 45 traffic crashes last year.
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