Big Penalties In Store For Drivers Who Pass School Buses

By Staff Reporter
Posted on 09/01/17 | News Source: WBAL TV

Baltimore County police are sharing a friendly reminder about what can happen if drivers pass a school bus when it's stopped to pick up students.

Almost 900 school buses will be on the road in Baltimore County come Tuesday, with more than 70,000 students on board.

"We will be looking for drivers that are not paying attention to school buses, or who are just blatantly ignoring the laws and going around school buses," Baltimore County police Officer Jen Peach said.

Police are not the only ones concerned.

"It makes me cringe," said Thomas Jones, a parent. "The last thing that any of us want is for a child to come off the bus and to get hit by a car, particularly, if a car is not doing the speed limit."

Drivers caught breaking the law can expect to pay a $570 fine and get three points on their driving record for passing a school bus with its flashing lights activated. Drivers who stop and then continue around school buses face a $570 fine and a two-point penalty.

"We need to be paying more attention to our surroundings," Peach said.

Police said officers will be out on the first day of school in marked and unmarked vehicles. A growing number of traffic cameras are also now in place in school zones.

Police would also like to remind parents of students who walk to school to tell them to look before they cross the street.

More School Safety Tips:

Wait For School Buses

The Baltimore County Police Department reminds all drivers to stop when the lights on school buses are flashing.

Maryland law states that vehicles must come to a complete stop on both sides of the street if there is no physical divider or barrier. Drivers who pass the bus before all lights have ceased flashing may face the following consequences:

Children are not always aware of their surroundings and assume that drivers will stop for them. Youngsters also dart into the road without looking first for traffic. Allow room for the frequent stops that happen during the morning pick up and the afternoon drop off.

Educate Your Children About School Safety

Baltimore County Police remind parents, guardians and children about school safety. Although the Police Department educates children in school on stranger danger, parents can also provide guidance on safety.

Load Up The Kids And Lock Up The House

The Baltimore County Police Department encourages everyone to establish the habit of basic security when leaving the house. Basic crime prevention measures can make it difficult for a burglar to enter your home.