The Wisconsin State Patrol is encouraging motorists to stay alert and follow school bus safety laws as part of this year’s Safe Stop Week campaign.
State Patrol Sergeant Nic Betts says recent data shows progress in reducing illegal school bus passings, but violations remain a concern.
“The numbers in the past few years of illegal school bus passings have been higher than normal, but we are happy to report the Wisconsin School Bus Association has put out a recent report that those occurrences have declined in this past year,” Betts said.
According to the State Patrol, more than 1,300 citations were issued last year to Wisconsin drivers who failed to stop for a school bus.
Officials say many motorists may not fully understand the law when approaching a stopped bus. Betts reminded drivers that vehicles must stop when a school bus has its red warning lights activated.
“Wisconsin law requires that a vehicle stops no closer than 20 feet from a stopped school bus when they have their red lights activated. So that includes on any roadway when a school bus is stopped. It does not include a divided highway,” Betts said.
Safe Stop Week also serves as a reminder for drivers to pay attention when buses are preparing to load or unload students. Betts says amber warning lights indicate a bus is about to stop, giving motorists time to slow down and prepare.
“When a school bus has its amber or yellow lights activated, that means that the bus is about to make a stop. So when you see that, slow down, leave some extra space, give that bus the space and time that it needs so it can drop off or pick up children safely,” he said.
The State Patrol says extra troopers will be on Wisconsin roadways throughout the week promoting safe driving habits around school buses. Officials are also urging motorists to avoid distractions, obey speed limits and remain especially vigilant during morning and afternoon school commute hours.