TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – With school set to resume next week, local law enforcement discuss a recent emphasis on school bus safety.
According to Governor Eric Holcomb during the two months following the beginning of the 2019 school year 40 law enforcement agencies handed out over 2,500 citations for driving violations near school buses.
One of those 40 agencies is the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department.
“I think after the tragic accident where three kids were killed (in Fulton County, Indiana) there was a new emphasis on school bus safety,” said Sheriff John Plasse, Vigo County Sheriff’s Department.
With the help of the state, Plasse says his department was able to to crack down specifically on drivers disobeying rules near buses.
“The state put out some grant money and we were able to get some of that to let our deputies just target bus stops, actually follow buses to see if there was any violators, even ride on the buses,” Plasse said.
Although there weren’t many citations issued in Vigo County, Plasse says his department will continue to look for drivers who put students in danger.
He also says those behind the wheel should also consider the safety of others.
“You’ll get where you’re going and if you’re running late, just be late. I’d rather be late and have to explain that than have to live with the tragedy of killing somebody,” Plasse said.
Even with an increased penalty for school bus violations, some believe more should be done.
“We can’t keep the kids safe enough. It’s great that they put the stop arms out but people should get off their cell phones, stop texting, stop talking, and pay attention to the fact that you’re driving somewhere and endangering other people’s lives,” said Joe Walton, local resident.
Plasse says he is unsure if his department will receive another grant to help enforce school bus violations, but he also says even if they do not his department will find a way to continue their efforts.
