LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. — Bus drivers and police officers are on high alert for drivers illegally passing school buses in Liberty Lake.
Central Valley School District said drivers in the area are routinely ignoring stop signs on CVSD buses and putting children in danger.
The district has already reported 59 violations this school year, an increase from last year.
“We’re seeing most of our violations are on multi-lane roadways, and I think that’s part of it. There’s maybe some confusion about ‘do I need to stop in this other lane,'” said Brian Asmus, CVSD Safety and Security Supervisor.
It said many more violations happen, but the bus driver isn’t always able to get enough vehicle information to file a report.
To help crack down on the violations and increase safety, Liberty Lake Police Department has increased patrols looking for this violation.
CVSD said drivers may not know or remember the rules about when to stop for school buses.
“When you see the bus that has stopped with the bus pedal activated, think about the reason for that. It’s to protect the children that are getting on and off that bus,” Asmus said.
Failing to stop for a school bus could cost you a nearly $500 fine.
“It’s a $478 ticket that the driver could get,”Asmus said. “It cannot be waived, cannot be reduced and cannot be suspended. It’s in the law.”
CVSD and LLPD said it’s important to review when you can and can’t pass a bus’s flashing sign.
For more information on stopping for school buses, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
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