SPD Chief speaks on motorists passing stopped school bus

Sheridan Police Department Chief Travis Koltiska made a recent appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to discuss the safety risks of passing a stopped school bus. 

Every branch of local law enforcement has spoken on the dangers of passing a school bus with the Stop-Arm extended and the red lights flashing. It is illegal and needlessly puts the lives of children at risk. 

But each branch has also shared that in every jurisdiction, the violation continues to happen. School bus Stop-Arms are equipped with cameras that take a photo of drivers and license plates who become impatient and pass buses which have stopped to allow children to enter and exit the vehicle. The school districts ensure that these photos are turned over to law enforcement. 

The SPD Chief said those who choose to pass buses while they are loading or unloading are needlessly putting the lives of children at risk. 

Chief T. Koltiska 

The Chief said the school districts do their best to plan routes that allow children to get on and off school buses on the same side of the street as their stops. But there are many cases where children must cross the road once they are off the bus. And although many parents speak with their children regarding safety, one must remember they are children.

Chief T. Koltiska 

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Drivers traveling in both directions and on roads with multiple lanes should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicle.

Red flashing lights and extended Stop-Arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off the bus. Motorists must stop their car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving, before motorists can continue driving.

Cost of the first citation for passing a stopped school bus in Wyoming is $435.