Police in Cheney and Airway Heights are making an extra effort to make sure drivers keep our roads safe for students riding the school bus.
Last week, Airway Heights and Cheney Police Departments conducted a special traffic patrol to ensure drivers are obeying the law and stopping for school buses.
AHPD said transportation officials with Cheney Public Schools identified three bus routes with frequent traffic violations for officers to patrol.
“Washington law requires all motorists to stop when following a stopped school bus displaying an extended stop sign paddle or flashing red lights. Drivers traveling in the opposite direction must also stop on two-lane roads, but not on roadways with three or more lanes, including turn lanes,” said AHPD.
Airway Heights Corporal Pat Carbaugh said the risk is especially prevalent in rural communities where cars drive over 40 miles per hour and kids are crossing highways.
“There have been some close calls where children were nearly hit,” he said. “Violations occur regularly, and we receive reports when they do. Unfortunately, drivers frequently disregard the stop arms.”
AHPD said no tickets were issued during last week’s patrols, but that the efforts will continue, with quarterly emphasis patrols scheduled for next year.
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