In coordination with local bus drivers and school transportation officials, 2,481 additional safety patrols were conducted funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that issued a total of 1,553 warnings and 1,701 citations.

These extra patrols were funded through the state’s Stop Arm Violation Enforcement program, being developed by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute in 2019 to provide safe transportation routes for Hoosier students.

In Indiana it’s against the law for motorists to pass a stopped bus with the red lights and stop-arm extended, this applies to all roads except multi-lane roads divided by a physical barrier.

“Making sure that students can go to and from school safely is a top priority, but it requires cooperation from the motoring public,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Every driver has a responsibility to pay attention to the road and drive cautiously around buses, in school zones, and areas where children may be present.”

Officials reported 852 drivers were cited for speeding, while 112 were cited for driving with a suspended license, and 94 for not wearing a seat belt.

“Driving past a stopped school bus is not only illegal, but it’s also a matter of life or death,” said Devon McDonald, the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Executive Director. “Motorists need to slow down, put away the distractions, and watch for buses at all times. Lives depend on it.”

Further patrols are scheduled to resume this spring for schools meeting in person.

For more information on the program, visit here.