Tuesday, September 17, 2019
In cooperation with the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Wisconsin School Bus Association (WSBA) is holding the annual School Safe Stop Week September 23-27. The purpose of this effort is to remind motorists that it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. Doing so endangers children's lives every day.
According to The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, in Wisconsin, roughly 460 vehicles illegally pass buses each day, with the highest rate of passing taking place during the afternoon (2019).
Wisconsin state statute 346.48[1] requires operators of motor vehicles approaching from the front or back of a school bus to stop at least 20 feet from the bus when it is flashing red lights, and remain stopped until the lights turn off.
Sending information about 'watch areas' can help the state patrol determine where persistent problems with illegal passing are located. Feel free to send information about a 'watch area' to cherie@wi-sba.org.
References
The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services. 2019. “National Stop Arm Violation Count.” Accessed Sept. 5, 2019. http://www.nasdpts.org/StopArm/