Franklin County Sheriff’s Department press release
It is back to school time throughout the community.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Department deputies would like to remind citizens to be prepared to stop for school buses, which are loading and offloading students. Deputies would like to provide the following tips:
-Slow down: Watch for children crossing the streets and roads.
-Be alert: Anticipate that a child may run into the roadway.
-Be patient: Often times buses make frequent stops along a single stretch of roadway.
-When backing out of a driveway, watch for children who may be walking to a school bus stop.
“For the past few months, we’ve not had to think about school buses picking up and dropping off children,” said Sheriff Peter Cates. “However, we feel it is important to get the message out early to remind drivers that school is back in session. Slow down, be prepared to stop, and be patient. A child’s life may depend on it.”
Drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus can be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $5,000. In the event someone is injured, the offense rises to a Level 6 felony, punishable by six months to two and a half years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Recklessly passing a stopped bus causing death is a Level 5 felony, with penalties of one to six years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.