Law enforcement officials offer tips on bus safety

It is that time of year again when drivers will start seeing school buses on their daily commute. One new thing they may not see, the law enforcement officer riding on the school bus. Officers from the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Hot Springs County Sheriff's Department and Thermopolis Police Department are working jointly to catch those drivers who fail to stop for school buses picking up/dropping off kids throughout the county. Riding on the school bus is the best way to observe the violations. Once observed, the officer will radio ahead for the violator to be stopped or make contact with the driver at a later date.

"We get a lot of complaints about cars passing school buses who are stopped with flashing red lights," said Sgt. Duane Ellis of Patrol. "This is a tremendous effort of the local law enforcement to make sure motorists are being safe."

State law requires every driver to stop when meeting or overtaking, from either direction, a stopped school bus with flashing red lights. The driver shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are no longer activated. When meeting a school bus with activated flashing red lights you may pass, only if there is a physical barrier or separate roadways between your vehicle and the school bus. A picture is provided to better understand this law (taken from drive-safely.net/author Mike Rogers).

If a person does pass a school bus with flashing red lights, they face a fine of $420. If caught again within one year, they may have to make a mandatory appearance in court and face a penalty up to $1000.