More caution urged around school buses

— Since Daylight Saving Time started last week, many children will be picked up for school in the dark, and bus drivers are asking other motorists to be especially careful on their morning commutes.

Buses begin their routes at 6 a.m., according to transportation manager Sherman Robinson, but sunrise isn’t until nearly 7:30 a.m.

It is especially important for motorists driving in both directions to remember to stop when the red warning lights are flashing and passengers are loading or unloading, Robinson said. Drivers also need to remember they can’t pass the bus by turning into a driveway or parking lot while the lights are flashing, he said.

“Any time the stop arm is out, you’re not supposed to move at all,” transportation secretary Patsy Wilkins said.

Bus driver Charles Linam said there have been several incidents of motorists passing his school bus while he is loading and unloading students in the past several weeks. While that behavior is always dangerous, the risk is compounded when it is still dark outside, he said.

“People don’t realize how dangerous it is picking up 5- and 6-year-old kids in the dark,” he said.

Arkansas law carries heavy penalties for drivers who pass a stopped school bus. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and jailed up to 90 days. They can also be assigned additional penalties, such as community service or the suspension of their driver’s license, according to Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department’s traffic and motor vehicle laws.

Bus drivers have no choice but to report motorists who pass them illegally, Robinson said. If the bus driver fails to report theincident and another witness reports it, the bus driver would be ticketed.

Robinson said many school districts start their bus routes even earlier than Decatur, and asked morning commuters to be careful everywhere they go.

“We don’t want to see kids in any district anywhere in Arkansas hurt,” he said.

News, Pages 1 on 03/17/2010