Buses will be back on the roads in large numbers again on Monday as area students head back to the classroom, and Carroll Police Chief Brad Burke says back-to-school often coincides with an increase in illegal bus passing citations.
Burke adds that those bus passing rules weren’t created to be an inconvenience; they are a matter of children’s safety. Kids are often excited to head off to school or get home after classes and may not practice the best pedestrian habits in their excitement. Burke says many drivers may not be aware of what constitutes a violation.
Burke says there is one exception, and that is in instances where the roadway has a divided median. If the bus is on the other side of the median from a vehicle, there is no requirement to stop. However, he still encourages drivers to be extra vigilant in these circumstances. Burke says the penalties for illegally passing a bus can be severe.
Burke anticipates that the first few weeks of pick-ups, drop-offs, and bus routes will be hectic, especially as drivers adjust to the changes coming to Carroll’s in-town busing plan.
He recommends parents give themselves an extra 10 minutes during the first few weeks to account for the expected delays.
