By Chief Steven J. Wojnar
Dudley Police Department I receive several questions and comments on topics for this column. It is always educational and informative. I thank people for reaching out to me. One recent meeting with a local resident in the Town Hall resulted in a comment on School Buses and the process of picking up children in the morning. They have observed school buses waiting for extended periods of time, in traffic near homes, until children come out. This obviously causes traffic backups and frustrated drivers. I was asked to bring this to parent’s attention. Driving past a school bus with lights activated can be serious. Violations are covered in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 14. Drivers are required to come to a full stop when these vehicles have red lights flashing and children are entering or exiting the bus. A first offense penalty for a violation carries a $250 fine. Subsequent offenses can range from $500 to $2,000 and can also include a license suspension for a minimum of 6 months. Drivers must also keep their vehicles at least 100 feet behind a school bus. Buses are required to have the words “keep back 100 feet” prominently displayed on the rear of the bus. Situations of buses waiting for passengers is more frustrating than criminal. When children are not ready to get on the bus at their designated time, it causes delays and aggravation. If enough riders are late to the bus, the future stops will be behind schedule. In addition, anyone who has been “stuck” traveling behind a school bus, understands the delays associated with multiple stops. Delays certainly do not help the situation. These are instances where everyone working together, exercising patience and caution, can be beneficial. Parents should be aware to have children ready to board the buses promptly. Thankfully, bus drivers are cognizant of traffic build ups. To alleviate backups, they can pull to the side, when it is safe, and allow vehicles to pass. |
Drivers must remember to stay calm and alert. Watch for children approaching or leaving buses. Kids may be rushing around and not paying attention to their surroundings, especially if running late. Buses will make frequent stops, particularly when transporting the elementary school children. If everyone works together, we can limit accidents, and everyone can get to their appropriate destination on time and safe.
Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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