(COLORADO SPRINGS) — During National School Bus Safety Week, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) is enforcing a new school bus safety law to remind drivers to respect school zones and buses on the road.
The new law requires drivers approaching a school bus from an oncoming lane to stop, with exceptions only if a median or physical barrier separates the lanes. This initiative aims to enhance the safety of children relying on school buses.
“The safety of our children is non-negotiable,” said Sergeant Jason Haag with EPSO.
“There’s a lot more kids relying on school buses in general,” said Jared Coffman, a father of two.
Drivers must slow down and come to a complete stop at least 20 feet behind a bus with its stop signs out and flashing red lights on, and they cannot move until the lights are shut off.
“Speeding through school zones is a real problem for us,” said Haag.
Violators of the law face a six-point ticket and a mandatory court date, emphasizing the seriousness of adhering to these rules.
Law enforcement is particularly concerned about drivers illegally passing a stopped school bus, which puts children at risk while crossing the street or getting on or off the bus. Sergeant Haag highlighted the dangers posed by speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving, which contribute to violations of the school bus safety law.
Parents are encouraged to remind their children to always look both ways before crossing the street and to avoid distractions, despite the drivers’ responsibility to obey the law.
The enforcement of the new school bus safety law during National School Bus Safety Week underscores the importance of protecting children as they travel to and from school. Drivers are urged to picture their own children crossing the street and to respect the stop signs and flashing lights of school buses.
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