(Pikesville, MD) – As school reopens throughout the state during the next few weeks, state troopers across Maryland are urging parents to give children a safety briefing and urging motorists to be aware of young pedestrians.
Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan has directed commanders at each barracks to conduct school bus enforcement initiatives appropriate for their jurisdiction. This will include dedicated patrols that target motorists failing to stop for school buses picking up or discharging children.
“This is an important time of year, as children will again be walking to school or gathering at bus stops,” Colonel Sheridan said. “As we put ‘families first’ in Maryland, I urge parents to talk with their children about safety, whether they walk to school or ride the bus. Teach them to look both ways before crossing a street and to use a crosswalk if available. Remind them to stand as far off the roadway as possible while waiting for the school bus and to be sure the bus driver can see them before they walk in front of a stopped bus.”
Children should be taught about the ‘danger zone,’ a perimeter of ten feet around the bus within which are blind spots where drivers cannot see students. Children should always stay outside that perimeter when walking around the bus.
Colonel Sheridan is also reminding drivers of their responsibilities as children head back to school. “Drivers must be extra cautious during this back to school season and throughout the school year,” Colonel Sheridan said. “Remember that children along a roadway can act unpredictably. Drivers need to be certain they are obeying speed limits in school zones and stopping as required for buses picking up or discharging children.”
Maryland law requires drivers to stop at least 20 feet from the front or rear of a school bus that is operating its flashing red lights. This law does not apply if a school bus is on a divided highway and the approaching motorist is on a different roadway. Motorists who violate this law can receive a citation that carries a penalty of $570 and three points.
More importantly, motorists who violate this law endanger the lives of the children getting onto or off of the school bus. Children are often oblivious to traffic moving around the bus. It is incumbent upon drivers to take the initiative and be alert for children standing along roadways waiting for the bus and children as they embark and disembark from the school bus.
$570 and 3 points huh? That's awesome. A woman nearly ran over my son two years ago because she did not stop for the school bus. I witnessed it from 50 yds or so away. However the bus driver did nothing about it! The law only works if the police AND bus drivers work together to make it successful. Actually the courts need to stay on track with it as well. I think in the case of someone running the stop sign on a bus there should be no waiver of the fees or points. Make it mandatory, if someone admits guilt that should not be a reduction pass it should be the full fine. Or better yet give the person the option pay the full fine or volunteer as a crossing guard every morning and afternoon for a month.
ReplyDeleteNow that's an idea. Community service as crossing guards. It would definately make the offenders see just how dangerous drivers can be. But, go one step further...kids who refuse to cross at crosswalks should also be punished in some way. At Bennett Middle & H.S. (College Ave.) & Wicomico Middle (Rt. 50)you have to play dodge kids.
ReplyDeleteHope the state police are following their own advice. Ive seen them drive
ReplyDeleteThis could be an excellent source for much needed funds.
ReplyDeleteLet's take a look at this.
ReplyDeleteThe driver was not responsible enough and cared less about the children on the bus and you want them to volunteer as a crossing guard?
Are you nuts??????
I do agree with a mandatory fine and points on the license, maybe even a little jail time but those are NOT the ones I want anywhere around my kids!