WATER VALLEY – Police Chief Jason Mangrum is urging motorists to stop for school buses when children are getting on or off. The chief reported there have been several complaints of vehicles not stopping for buses since school started earlier this month.
“We had a vehicle almost strike a kid getting off a bus at the intersection of Central Street and Lafayette Street on August 7,” Mangrum said. “We are still investigating this case.”
The chief reported that state law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet from a school bus when the bus is loading or unloading children. Motorists must not proceed until all children have crossed the street to or from the school bus, the flashing red lights are no longer activated, and the stop sign on the side of the bus is retracted.
Mangrum said his department will investigate any reported violations involving motorists illegally passing school buses and prosecute the case.
“Even if we don’t witness it, we will issue proper citations and/or warrants for anybody who runs a school bus stop sign students are loading or unloading if we can prove it. Many of the buses have cameras installed that will help us.”
